Abstract
About 60% of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) plantations in Argentina are located in the provinces of Entre Rios and Buenos Aires. Alternaria tenuissima and Pestalotiopsis guepinii have been reported as pathogens of blueberry, causing leaf spots and branch cankers. The aims of this research were to estimate the prevalence of these microorganisms on leaves and fruits taken from crops located in Entre Rios and Buenos Aires, as well as to differentiate leaf symptoms after target inoculations with each pathogen individually and in mixtures. Both fungi were present in blueberry fields from 2010 to 2013. A. tenuissima was the most prevalent pathogen, as most of the symptoms detected in the fields had been caused by this species. As a result of inoculations on cv. O’Neal, injured tissues showed symptoms before undamaged ones. Leaf symptoms caused by A. tenuissima differed from those caused by P. guepinii because of their predominant reddish color and the absence of drop-off of the central part of the lesions. When inoculated in a mixture, incubation period on leaves was intermediate between the registered for individual inoculations. The leaves showed reddishbrown spots typical of A. tenuissima and dark brown spots typical of P. guepinii, both with red margins. Blight, defoliation and canker symptoms caused in each case were undistinguishable.
Highlights
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are perennial shrubs belonging to the Ericaceae, which is a large and diverse family with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution [1]
Half of Argentinean production is harvested in the province of Entre Ríos, mainly in the department of Concordia (37% of the cropping area); and 20% is harvested in the province of Buenos Aires [3]
The aim of this research was to estimate the relative importance of A. tenuissima and P. guepinii in crops located in Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos, as well as to differentiate their symptoms after target inoculations
Summary
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are perennial shrubs belonging to the Ericaceae, which is a large and diverse family with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution [1]. While only a small area had been planted in Argentina by 1993 [2], approximately 3100 hectares are dedicated to growing blueberries (V. corymbosum L.) at present. Half of Argentinean production is harvested in the province of Entre Ríos, mainly in the department of Concordia (37% of the cropping area); and 20% is harvested in the province of Buenos Aires [3]. Blueberry industry has developed mainly due to good prices in the off-season fresh market in North America and Europe, and to worldwide increasing demand for blueberries. Most of the production is exported as fresh fruits [2]; 60% to The United States, 16% to Continental Europe and 16% to the United Kingdom [3]. Highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum L.) is the most commonly planted type in Argentina [6] [7]. At the beginning of the century, the most frequent cultivars were O’Neal and Misty; while nowadays they are Abundance, Blue Crisp, Emerald, Jewel, Millennia, Misty, O’Neal, Primadonna, Snow Chaser, Spring High and Star [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
