Chestnut Blight Control by Agrochemicals in Castanea sativa under Managed Conditions

Abstract

This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the in vivo effectiveness of three agrochemical products to control chestnut blight disease in Castanea sativa infected by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica under managed conditions. Three products (epoxiconazole, carbendazim and a mixture of carbendazim plus flutriafol) were tested using three different methods of application: i) preventive method applied by spraying, ii) curative method applied by spraying and iii) curative method applied directly over the lesion with a paint roller. Lesion length, sporulation and mortality parameters were evaluated presenting statistically significant differences. According to the methods, results showed that the curative method applied directly over the lesion is effective when the pathogen has not already spread, being the most effective application method in the short term. Regarding products, significant differences between control and treated chestnut plants were always observed, epoxiconazole being the most effective fungicide for chestnut blight control.