ISHS Acta Horticulturae 581: IV International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal
SURVEY OF DISEASES DISCOVERED ON OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA IN PRODUCER COUNTRIES |
| Authors: | G. Granata, A. Sidoti |
| Keywords: | Cactus pear, diseases, causal agent, control |
| Abstract:
The numerous diseases present on cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) in the producer areas worldwide are caused by biotic agents such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, phytoplasmas and viruses, and abiotic agents such as atmospheric conditions. The terms virus- like or phytoplasma- like diseases refer to symptoms of which the underlying pathogen is not known but which resemble the symptoms caused by viruses or phytoplasms. Most diseases are caused by fungi. The diseases often result in severe damage, especially to the cladodes, roots, and fruits, even in the postharvesting period. As some of the diseases can jeopardize the entire cultivation, stricter control should be exercised on propagative material and on importation from other countries. Prevention is often the best way to control the diseases and keep them from spreading into areas that are not affected. This paper reports on the major cactus pear diseases present in the growing areas, the characteristics of the causal agent, the symptomatology and the control measures. | |
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