MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Biology and epidemiology of Diaporthe amygdali: understanding how environmental factors influence fungal growth, sporulation, infection and lesion development on almond

Summary

This study investigates how temperature and rainfall affect a fungal disease that damages almond trees. Researchers found that the disease is most problematic during spring and autumn when rain is frequent and temperatures are moderate to warm. The pathogen can infect almond trees across a wide temperature range, but requires extended moisture periods for successful infection. These findings help farmers understand when and why this disease occurs, enabling better timing of preventive treatments.

Background

Diaporthe amygdali is a major pathogen causing twig canker and shoot blight disease on almond crops in the Mediterranean Basin. Most knowledge about environmental factors influencing this pathogen’s biology comes from studies on peach, with limited information specific to almond hosts.

Objective

To comprehensively understand how environmental factors such as temperature and wetness periods influence the biology and epidemiology of D. amygdali on almond crops under Mediterranean conditions, including effects on mycelial growth, sporulation, plant infection, and lesion development.

Results

Temperature ranges for α-conidia germination and almond infection were broad (5-35°C), potentially allowing year-round infections. Highest plant infection occurred after 72 h of wetness, while lowest occurred after 6 h. Mycelial growth and lesion development were promoted by warm temperatures, with optimal mycelial growth at 26.71°C and pycnidia production at 16.46°C.

Conclusion

Environmental factors, particularly temperature and wetness duration, significantly influence D. amygdali disease dynamics on almond. The findings explain the prevalence of the disease in spring and autumn when rain is frequent, and provide information for developing mechanistic disease management models to improve control strategy effectiveness.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41451270, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1717223
Scroll to Top