Phytophthora
Phytophthora spp. cause the most serious and economically important soilborne diseases of citrus in Florida. Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytophthora palmivora are the most problematic species in Florida.
Phytopthora cause:
- damping-off of seedlings in the seedbed
- root and crown rot in nurseries
- foot rot and fibrous root rot
- brown rot of fruit in groves
FlaRes and other researchers have discovered that Diaprepes is most virulent on citrus when it interacts with Phytophthora. This interaction between Diaprepes is known as the Phytophthora Diaprepes Complex (PDC). Diaprepes, in their larval stage, feed on the roots of the citrus trees leaving open lesions. Secondary infection by Phytophthora at the lesions often results in the death of the tree.
Although the extent of the current impact of PDC on Florida's citrus industry has not been calculated, PDC can devastate a citrus grove, resulting a total loss for the grove owner. Chemical treatments for diaprepes and for Phytophthora extremely expensive and not without environmental impacts.... therefore the ability to provide treatments by prescription application would offer tremendous cost savings to the grower while reducing any environmental impact.
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