MAJOR DISEASES OF APRICOT CAUSED BY FUNGI AND BACTERIA

More than 50% of the national yield is produced in the region of Campania, mainly in the province of Naples.

After a short review of the major diseases caused by fungi and bacteria, apricot decline, which is a complex of different diseases with a common final syndrome, is discussed in detail. Verticillium wilt, Armillaria root rot, and repeated attacks by Monilia (brown rot) seem to cause apoplexy in Campania. Some suggestions are given for an integrated control of the three above mentioned diseases. The role of the four basic components of an artificial pathosystem should be taken into account.

In spite of the progress made, apoplexy is still a problem waiting for its genetic solution through an interdisciplinary approach. It is also necessary to make studies at the molecular level which, by filling the lack of genetic and biochemical knowledge of the mechanism regulating complex suscept-pathogen interactions and the extraordinary plasticity of many pathogens, would then allow the use of technologies such as recombinant DNA and others.

In Campania, the lack of resistant or tolerant rootstocks and cultivars is of large concern.

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