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Isolation, Identification, and In Vitro Fungicide Screening of the Pathogen Associated with Pear Dry Blight

Summary

Pear dry blight is a serious fungal disease affecting pear orchards in China. Researchers identified the fungus Diaporthe fukushii as the cause and tested various fungicides to find the most effective treatments. The study found that thiophanate-methyl and difenoconazole mixed with propiconazole work best, while some other fungicides are less effective. The research provides farmers with evidence-based strategies to manage this devastating disease.

Background

Pear dry blight is a destructive fungal disease that has emerged as a significant threat to pear orchards in Wuwei, Gansu Province, China. The disease affects seedlings, stems, and entire trees, causing leaf wilting, branch cankers, and shoot dieback. Between 2012 and 2017, disease incidence ranged from 19% to 45% in affected orchards.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the causal pathogen of pear dry blight, evaluate its pathogenicity, and assess the efficacy of commonly used fungicides against the pathogen to develop effective management strategies.

Results

Diaporthe fukushii was identified as the causal pathogen through molecular and morphological characterization. Pathogenicity assays resulted in 82% disease incidence on pear branches and 100% on pear fruits. Thiophanate-methyl and difenoconazole + propiconazole exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects, while chloroisobromine cyanuric acid was the least effective.

Conclusion

D. fukushii is confirmed as the causal agent of pear dry blight in Wuwei. An integrated management approach incorporating fungicide rotation, cultural practices, and resistant rootstocks is recommended to mitigate disease spread and reduce economic losses in pear production.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/pathogens14050432
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