Analysis of Rootstocks and New Fungicides for Control of Phytophthora Root Rot and Gummosis in Arizona Citrus Groves

Abstract

Experiments were initiated to evaluate potential new citrus rootstocks for their relative tolerance or resistance to root rot and gummosis caused by Phytophthora citrophthora and P. parasitica and to determine the efficacy of potential new fungicides for disease control. In greenhouse trials conducted in 1994 and 1995, the range of root loss due to Phytophthora in the 44 different rootstocks tested ranged from 26-96 %. Rootstocks sustaining 80% or less root loss will be evaluated further to identify those with superior tolerance to Phytophthora. In growth chamber experiments, the same rootstocks were inoculated on the stem to evaluate resistance to gummosis. The length of canker that developed on these test plants ranged from 1-25 mm. Rootstocks with canker development in the range of 1-10 mm in length will be tested further to identify the most resistant selections. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the comparative activity of Aliette, Ridomil, Dimethomorph, Fluazinam, ICIA-5504, and SM-9 at concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 1, 000 mg/l on sporulation and growth of P. citrophthora and P. parasitica. Each of the four new molecules was either comparable or superior to Aliette or Ridomil with respect to activity on at least one component of the life cycle of the Phytophthora species tested. The results presented in this report are preliminary in nature and will be validated in future studies.