Articles
Susceptibility of pomegranate cultivars to the key pathogen Coniella granati
Article number
1464_19
Pages
143 – 148
Language
English
Abstract
Coniella granati (Sacc.) is one of the most important fungal pathogens of pomegranate causing crown rot, leaf spot and dry fruit rot.
The use of tolerant/resistant cultivars might allow the management of the pathogen while reducing the application of synthetic fungicides.
In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of ten autochthonous Punica granatum accessions of the Apulia region and seven commercial pomegranate cultivars using an in vitro leaf assay.
Artificial inoculations on the wood tissues of cultivar Wonderful were also carried out to evaluate pomegranate response to C. granati wood infection.
In vitro leaf assays showed that ‘Parfianca’, ‘G2’ and ‘Principalli’ were the most tolerant cultivars.
The microscopic observation of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate wood inoculated with C. granati revealed that the pathogen was able to advance from the point of inoculation through the xylem parenchyma to the xylem vessels, whereas the occurrence of tylosis, as a plant defence response, was limited.
Overall, our findings reveal differential susceptibility among pomegranate genotypes to C. granati, highlighting the importance of characterizing host responses to develop effective and sustainable crop management strategies.
The use of tolerant/resistant cultivars might allow the management of the pathogen while reducing the application of synthetic fungicides.
In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of ten autochthonous Punica granatum accessions of the Apulia region and seven commercial pomegranate cultivars using an in vitro leaf assay.
Artificial inoculations on the wood tissues of cultivar Wonderful were also carried out to evaluate pomegranate response to C. granati wood infection.
In vitro leaf assays showed that ‘Parfianca’, ‘G2’ and ‘Principalli’ were the most tolerant cultivars.
The microscopic observation of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate wood inoculated with C. granati revealed that the pathogen was able to advance from the point of inoculation through the xylem parenchyma to the xylem vessels, whereas the occurrence of tylosis, as a plant defence response, was limited.
Overall, our findings reveal differential susceptibility among pomegranate genotypes to C. granati, highlighting the importance of characterizing host responses to develop effective and sustainable crop management strategies.
Authors
D. Gerin, A. Agnusdei, V. Montilon, A. Bolzonello, R. Musetti, S. Tundo, F. Faretra, S. Pollastro
Keywords
Punica granatum, wood inoculation, microscopy analysis, crown rot, in vitro leaf assay, integrated plant protection
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