Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Leaf and Fruit Diseases'

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fruit and Leaf Spot Disease (FLSD) of citrus, caused by Phaeoramularia angolensis, is found only in 18 countries in Africa, the Comores Islands in the Indian Ocean and Yemen in the Arabian peninsula. The major citrus export countries in Africa are Morocco, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is the only country affected by FLSD. FLSD is a disease of major phytosanitary and economic importance and its devastating effect on citrus is highlighted by the fact that the damage is cosmetic, which renders the fruit unmarketable. Total crop losses are not uncommon in Kenya. The aims of the present study, therefore, was was to determine the occurrence of P. angolensis in Zimbabwe and neighbouring Mozambique, to compare these isolates with the Cercospora Fresen. isolates from Swaziland and South Africa, to determine the epidemiology of the pathogen and to implement an effective control strategy to prevent the spread of FLSD. Leaf samples with citrus canker-like lesions collected in the early 1990’s in Zimbabwe were found to be infected by the fungus, Phaeoramularia angolensis. Surveys were undertaken to determine the spread and intensity of FLSD in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In Zimbabwe, P. angolensis was limited to an area above the 19° south latitude, predominantly the moist areas and not the low-lying drier parts of the country. In Mozambique, no P. angolensis symptoms were found. Observations during the survey indicated that no proper management systems were implemented by Zimbabwean growers. A cercosporoid fungus causing a new Fruit and Leaf Spot Disease on Citrus in South Africa was identified. From morphological and rDNA sequence data (ITS 1, 5.8S and ITS 2), it was concluded that the new disease was caused by Cercospora penzigii, belonging to the Cercospora apii species complex. The genera Pseudophaeoramularia and Phaeoramularia are regarded as synonyms of Pseudocercospora, and subsequently a new combination was proposed in Pseudocercospora as P. angolensis. Cercospora gigantea was shown to not represent a species of Cercospora, while Mycosphaerella citri was found to be morphologically variable, suggesting that it could represent more than one taxon. A control strategy for the control of FLSD was evaluated in the study. The data showed that P. angolensis in Zimbabwe can be managed successfully by the removal of all old and neglected orchards, and on timely fungicide applications. Trifloxystrobin + mancozeb + mineral spray oil (20 g + 200 g + 500 ml/100 l water) applied in November, January and March was the most effective treatment. Three applications of benomyl + mancozeb + mineral spray oil (25 g + 200 g + 500 ml/100 l water) applied during the same period, was the second most effective treatment, and two applications (November and January) of trifloxystrobin + mineral spray oil (20g + 500 ml/100 l water) and difenoconazole (40 g) per 100 l/water applied twice in November and January, the third most effective treatment. The spore trap and weather data showed that P. angolensis needs high moisture and temperatures in excess of 25°C for disease development. It is concluded that P. angolensis in Zimbabwe can be managed successfully by implementing a holistic approach, which should be supported by the authorities, organised agriculture and all technical personnel involved in citrus production.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Blaar- en vrugvleksiekte (BVVS) op sitrus, veroorsaak deur Phaeoramularia angolensis, kom in 18 lande in Afrika voor asook die Comores Eilande in die Indiese Oseaan en Yemen op die Arabiese skiereiland. Marokko, Suid Afrika, Swaziland en Zimbabwe is die belangrikste uitvoerders van sitrus in Afrika. Van dié lande het slegs Zimbabwe blaar en vrugvleksiekte op sitrus. Hierdie siekte is van fitosanitêre en ekonomiese waarde en die nadelige effek van die siekte, wat slegs kosmetiese van aard is, is venietigend aangesien vrugte onbemarkbaar is. Totale opbrengsverliese is nie ongewoon in lande soos Kenya nie. Die doelwitte van die studie was dus om die voorkoms van P. angolensis in Zimbabwe te bepaal, om die Cercospora Fresen. isolate vanaf Swaziland en Suid-Afrika met mekaar te vergelyk, om die epidemiologie van die siekte vas te stel en om ‘n effektiewe beheermaatreël teen die siekte te ondersoek. Blaarmonsters met kankeragtige letsels wat in die vroeë 1990’s in Zimbabwe gevind is, het getoon dat die blare geinfekteer is met die swam, Phaeoramularia angolensis. Ondersoeke is geloots om die verspreiding en intensiteit van BVVS in Zimbabwe en Mosambiek te bepaal. In Zimbabwe was gevind dat P. angolensis beperk was tot gebiede bo die 19° Suid breedtegraad, wat die hoër vogtiger gebiede insluit eerder as die droeër, laagliggende gebiede. Geen P. angolensis simptome kon in Mosambiek gevind word nie. Tydens die opnames was dit duidelik dat geen geskikte beheerstrategieë toegepas word deur Zimbabwe se produsente nie. ‘n Nuwe cercosporoid swam, wat blaar en vrugvleksiekte op sitrus is in Suid Afrika veroorsaak is geidentifiseer. Morfologiese en rDNA volgorde (ITS 1, 5.8S en ITS 2) data het getoon dat die siekte veroorsaak word deur Cercospora penzigii wat tot die Cercospora apii spesie kompleks behoort. Die genus Pseudophaeoramularia kan as sinoniem van Pseudocercospora beskou word en ‘n nuwe kombinasie word voorgestel in Pseudocercospora as P. angolensis. Cercospora gigantea het getoon dat dit nie ‘n spesie van Cercospora kon verteenwoordig nie terwyl Mycosphaerella citri varieërend voorkom en meer as een takson kan verteenwoordig. ‘n Beheerstrategie vir die beheer van BVVS is ondersoek. Die data wys dat P. angolensis in Zimbabwe doeltreffend beheer kan word deur die uitroeiing van ou en verwaarloosde bome, en deur goed beplande fungisied bespuiting. Trifloxystrobin + mancozeb + minerale spuitolie (20 g + 200 g + 500 ml/100 l water), wat in November, Januarie en Maart toegedien is, was die mees effektiefste behandeling. Drie bespuitings van benomyl + mancozeb + minerale spuitolie (25 g + 200 g + 500 ml/100 l water) wat oor dieselfde tydperk toegedien is, was die naas beste behandeling. Trifloxystrobin (20 g) + minerale spuitolie (500 ml) per 100 l/water en difenoconazole (40 g) per 100 l/water, beide as twee bespuitings toegedien in November en Januarie, het die derde beste resultaat opgelewer. Die spoorlokval en klimatologiese data het getoon dat P. angolensis vogtige toestande en temperature hoër as 25°C benodig vir siekteontwikkeling. Die afleiding uit die studie is dat P. angolensis suksesvol beheer kan word indien ‘n holistiese benadering gevolg word en alle rolspelers naamlik die owerheid, georganiseerde landbou en tegniese personeel die proses ondersteun.

Mestrado Vinifera Euromaster - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL
Defoliation of grapevines have been shown to impact fruit set and fruit development, although the extent to and timing of which defoliation impacts fruit set and development is still being investigated. This is useful for the purpose of managing crop load and can be a useful tool for disease management. Currently, the understanding is that removal of leaves from the fruiting zone alters the source-sink balance, forcing the grapevine to down-prioritize flowering resulting in reduced fruit set, smaller clusters and less rot (Incidence x Severity). The purpose of this project is to investigate how pre-bloom removal of the six basal leaves on Riesling (clone 49) grapevines alters fruit set, cluster morphology and berry composition. The experiment was conducted in 2014 at Michigan State University’s Southwest Michigan research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, MI (lat. 42005’10.55” N, long. 86021’03.68”W). Our experiments show that there is a significant impact on fruit set as a consequence of defoliation, where defoliated vines showed a lower percentage of fruit set compared to control (43% vs. 63.4%) and the lower fruit set percentage also yielded less rot within the clusters (21.3% vs. 31.5%). Differences were noted in the rachis development (rachis were heavier and thicker with longer lateral branches in the control), but no significant changes were observed in berry composition and the proportions of successfully to unsuccessfully seeded berries as a result of the treatment

Septoria leaf spot was detected in the United States for the first time in 1964 within an experimental pistachio planting at Brownwood, Texas. The first observation of the same disease in Arizona pistachio trees did not occur until 1986. In 1988, a survey of the 2,000 acres of pistachio orchards in southeastern Arizona revealed a widespread incidence of the disease. Since the initial discovery of the disease, Septoria leaf spot has appeared annually in some of the Arizona pistachio acreage. The onset and severity of the disease is influenced by summer rainfall that occurs in this region. Disease management trials conducted since 1992 have shown that as few as two applications of chlorothalonil in July and August can virtually prevent disease development. Applications of copper hydroxide or benomyl alone or in combination also effectively arrest disease development. Leaves around nut clusters on infected trees not receiving fungicide treatments were usually senescent at crop maturity, whereas leaves on treated trees showed no sign of senescence. Pistachio trees infected with Septoria leaf spot and not treated with an effective fungicide can defoliate in the autumn up to 2 months prematurely.

Septoria leaf spot was detected in the United States for the first time in 1964 within an experimental pistachio planting at Brownwood, Texas. The first observation of the same disease in Arizona pistachio trees did not occur until 1986. In 1988, a survey of the 2,000 acres of pistachio orchards in southeastern Arizona revealed a widespread incidence of the disease. Since the initial discovery of the disease, Septoria leaf spot has appeared annually in some Arizona pistachio acreage. The onset and severity of the disease is influenced by summer rainfall that occurs in this region. Pistachio trees infected with Septoria leaf spot and not treated with an effective fungicide can defoliate in the autumn up to 2 months prematurely. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the efficacy of several different fungicides against this disease. All fungicides were applied to tree foliage on July 13 and August 10, 1999. Disease severity was lowest on trees treated with Flint (trifloxystrobin). Other materials that significantly reduced the final level of disease compared to nontreated trees included Abound (azoxystrobin), Break (propiconazole), and Procop R (copper hydroxide).

The fungicide, benomyl (Benlate) was foliar applied by a commercial air blast sprayer at the rate of 1.0 lb. a.i. per acre in early to late August. Treatments varied with a number of applications i.e. one or two and were compared to an untreated control. Benomyl significantly reduced leaf necrosis surrounding nut clusters and the number of leaf spot lesions when compared to control. One or two applications were equally effective in controlling Septoria leaf spot.

La phaeoramulariose des agrumes (Pseudocercospora angolensis) attaque les agrumes en Afrique tropicale et constitue une menace pour les autres pays producteurs situés en zone tropicale. La lutte chimique est le seul moyen de lutte efficace contre cette maladie. Cependant, elle est couteuse et néfaste pour l'environnement. La mise en place de stratégies de lutte permettant de minimiser l'emploi de fongicides contre est donc nécessaire. La connaissance des facteurs de risque de la phaeoramulariose est une étape préliminaire à cette démarche. Le travail entrepris avait pour but de préciser, à l'aide d'une enquête et des expérimentations, les effets de certains facteurs sur le développement de la maladie. L'enquête a été effectuée dans 39 sites de production des agrumes au Cameroun. Elle a permis de recenser les facteurs pédoclimatiques et biologiques dans l'environnement des arbres et de retenir les plus importants dans l'épidémiologie. Les expérimentations sur 8 sites ont permis de confirmer et évaluer les paramètres retenus après l'enquête. L'altitude, le type de sol, l'espèce d'agrumes et le type de végétation ont été retenus comme principaux facteurs de développement de la maladie. Les relations entre ces facteurs et l'incidence de la maladie sont illustrées dans les arbres de segmentation. Les expérimentations ont confirmé la grande sensibilité des pomélos et orangers vis-à-vis P. angolensis. En revanche, les mandariniers et la lime Tahiti se sont avérés moins sensibles. L'incidence de la maladie augmente avec une élévation en altitude, une diminution de la température et de la pluviométrie. La texture du sol s'est avérée plus déterminante du niveau de la maladie que sa composition. Le rôle de l'ombrage s'est avéré déterminant sur l'incidence de la maladie. L'analyse de la structure spatiale de la maladie a permis de mettre en évidence une structure agrégée. La structure spatiale des sous populations de familles d'arbres d'une parcelle agroforestière était aussi agrégée. La dispersion de la phaeoramulariose au sein d'une telle parcelle entre les différents agrégats d'agrumes serait limitée. L'analyse de régression a permis de déceler des différences entre les paramètres contribuant au développement de la maladie sur pomélos, satsuma et orangers. La possibilité d'une conception des systèmes agroforestiers raisonnés pour diminuer la pression des bioagresseurs est envisagée
Phaeoramularia leaf and fruit spot disease of citrus (PLFSD) caused by Pseudocercospora angolensis attacks citrus in tropical Africa. It also constitutes a threat for the other producer countries located in tropical zone. Chemical treatment is the only method used for effective control of this disease. However, in addition to causing ecological problems, this method lies beyond the reach local smallholders. The development of ecologically friendly strategies to ensure effective protection of citrus is thus necessary. To this end, knowledge of PLFSD risk factors is pre-required. The purpose of this study was to specify, by means of a survey and experiments carried, the effects of certain biotic and abiotic factors on the development of the disease. The survey carried out in 39 production sites of Cameroon, targetted a collection of environmental and biological tree characteristics. Experiments on 8 sites enabled a confirmation and evaluation of suspected factors. A stepwise logistic regression analysis of survey data made it possible to target altitude, soil type, citrus species and vegetation type as main factors influencing disease development. Relations between these factors and disease incidence are illustrated in segmentation trees. Experiments confirmed the great sensitivity of grape fruit and orange trees, while tangerine and Tahiti lime trees were less sensitive. Disease incidence increased with a rise in altitude and a reduction in temperature and rainfall. Soil texture proved to be more determinant in disease development than its chemical composition. Experimentation showed that trees planted under shade are less affected than those located in sunshine. A spatial structure analysis of the disease made it possible to highlight an aggregate structure indicating small scale disease dispersion. An analysis of the spatial structure of an agro forestry farm showed an aggregate structure of the sub populations of constituent tree families. This structure suggested that the dispersion of PLFSD within such a farm would be limited between the various citrus aggregates. PLS regression analysis suggested that several of these parameters play a determinant role in contributing to the development of disease on grape fruit, orange and Satsuma mandarin trees. The development of integrated agro forest systems which enable a decrease of the pressure of pest and diseases is envisaged

Leaves are responsible for the majority of the fixed carbon in most plant species. Along leaf development, the photosynthetic capacity increases until the organ reaches maturity. Consequently, at the onset of senescence the leaves have the highest photosynthetic activity, then, as the chloroplasts are dismantled and the photosynthetic machinery is degraded, leaves gradually lose the rate of carbon assimilation. Although the capacity to fix carbon declines as senescence progresses, nutrient remobilization from macromolecule degradation nourishes the developing sink organs. In this regard, delaying leaf senescence stands out as a promising strategy to increase plant yield as extends the window of time with maximum carbon fixation rate. Another approach that is receiving much attention is the manipulation of chlorophyll degradation once it potentially regulates photosynthetic capacity and affects the nutritional quality of harvestable organs. As chlorophyll is degraded, the released phytol is recycled and can be either stored (i.e. as fatty acid phytyl esters), used for chlorophyll synthesis or be incorporated in tocopherol biosynthesis. Tocopherols have high nutraceutical value due to their antioxidant properties. However, the majority of the studies regarding senescence and chlorophyll degradation were carried out in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana or grasses, creating a knowledge gap about these processes in fleshy fruit-bearing plants of human diet interest. In this regard, the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, is an excellent model not only for the genetic and genomic resources, but also for its agronomic and nutritional importance. Thus, this project aims to extend what is known about the effects of chlorophyll degradation and senescence manipulation over the metabolism and yield of tomato plants, as well as fruit nutritional quality. In order to evaluate the consequences of alteration in chlorophyll degradation, first the enzymes chlorophyllase and pheophytinase, both capable of dephytylating the chlorophyll molecule, were identified and characterised. An extensive phylogenetic, evolutive and transcriptional analysis allowed the identification of two groups of chlorophyllases, one putatively involved in the response to different stimuli, while the other may act in chlorophyll homeostasis. As for pheophytinase, only one group was identified, being related to physiologically programmed processes that trigger chlorophyll degradation (i.e. leaf senescence and fruit ripening). Given this scenario, pheophytinase was chosen to be constitutively knocked-down in order to evaluate the effects over the metabolism of leaves and fruits. As consequence of this manipulation, transgenic plants were impaired in the leaf senescence-associated chlorophyll breakdown, but, although with an initial delay, fruit ripening-associated degreening was not compromised. Several photosynthetic and biochemical parameters were signs of photoinhibition, possibly due to a deficiency in chlorophyll recycling in leaves. This led to an increase in sugar exportation towards fruits, ultimately increasing soluble sugar content of ripe fruits. However, as a consequence, carotenoid levels were reduced, what, at least partially, it was compensated by an increase in tocopherol content. The results indicated that pheophytinase plays a role beyond senescence-associated chlorophyll degradation and its manipulation led to the development of fruit with increased soluble sugars and tocopherols at the cost of lowering carotenoid levels. Thus, these evidences support the manipulation of chlorophyll breakdown as a strategy for improvement of fleshy fruit plants. In order to address the effects of senescence over yield and fruit quality, the transcription factor ORESARA1, which has been widely characterised in A. thaliana and is considered a key regulator of senescence initiation, was targeted. After a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and the characterization of the regulatory mechanisms, one putative ortholog was selected to be silenced. As consequence of this manipulation, leaves displayed increased chlorophyll content. Moreover, as senescence was delayed, the extent of photosynthetic activity of the leaves was also expanded. As the number of fruits was increased in the knockdown lines, this reflected in an increment in the harvest index. Ripe fruits accumulated more soluble sugars and tocopherols. Collectively, the results support the manipulation of leaf senescence as a strategy for tomato yield improvement. Altogether, data obtained enhance the knowledge about the impacts of chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence over the metabolism of fleshy-fruit plants, providing strategies to increase yield and nutritional quality of fruits
As folhas, para a maioria das espécies vegetais, são o principal órgão responsável pela fixação de carbono. Durante o desenvolvimento foliar, o potencial fotossintético aumenta até a folha atingir a sua maturidade. Consequentemente, no momento que o programa de senescência se inicia, a folha apresenta a maior taxa de fotossíntese, a qual passa então a declinar conforme o cloroplasto se desorganiza e a maquinaria fotossintética é degradada. Apesar da redução na fixação de carbono, o catabolismo de macromoléculas possibilita a remobilização de nutrientes para os órgãos dreno em desenvolvimento. Neste contexto, atrasar a senescência destaca-se como uma promissora estratégia para aumento da produtividade, uma vez que estende o período de máxima fixação de carbono das folhas. Outra estratégia que tem recebido atenção por, potencialmente, regular a capacidade fotossintética e afetar a qualidade nutricional dos órgãos coletáveis é a manipulação da degradação da clorofila. Durante o catabolismo deste pigmento, o fitol liberado é reciclado podendo ser armazenado (i.e. na forma de ésteres de fitil com ácidos graxos), ser utilizado na síntese de novas moléculas de clorofila ou ser incorporado na rota biossintética de tocoferóis. Estes últimos compostos, por seu potencial antioxidante, possuem alto valor nutracêutico. No entanto, a maior parte dos estudos sobre senescência e degradação de clorofila foi realizada na planta modelo Arabidopsis thaliana ou em gramíneas, tornando escassas as informações relativas a plantas com frutos carnosos de interesse para a dieta humana. Nesse âmbito, o tomateiro, Solanum lycopersicum, é um excelente modelo de estudo não apenas pela disponibilidade de recursos genético e genômicos, mas também pela importância agronômica e nutricional desta espécie. Assim, este trabalho pretende expandir o conhecimento acerca dos efeitos da manipulação da degradação de clorofila e da senescência sobre o metabolismo e produtividade do tomateiro, bem como sobre a qualidade nutricional dos frutos. De modo a se avaliar as consequências de alterações na degradação de clorofila, iniciou-se por identificar e caracterizar em tomateiro as enzimas clorofilase e feofitinase, as quais catalisam a defitilação da molécula de clorofila. Uma vasta análise filogenética, evolutiva e transcricional permitiu a identificação de dois grupos de clorofilases, um dos quais estaria envolvido na plasticidade de respostas a estímulos e o outro na homeostase dos níveis de clorofila. Já para feofitinase, somente um grupo foi identificado, o qual está relacionado a processos fisiologicamente programados que levam à degradação de clorofila (i.e. senescência foliar e amadurecimento de frutos). Dado o panorama obtido, a feofitinase foi escolhida para ser constitutivamente silenciada de modo a se avaliar as consequências para o metabolismo de folhas e frutos. Como consequência do silenciamento, as linhagens transgênicas mostraram-se incapazes de degradar clorofila durante a senescência, mas, embora com um atraso nas etapas iniciais, a degradação ao longo do amadurecimento de frutos não foi comprometida. Diversos parâmetros fotossintéticos e bioquímicos foram indicativos de fotoinibição, possivelmente em virtude de uma deficiência na reciclagem da clorofila em folhas. Isto acarretou em um aumento na exportação de açúcares para frutos, incrementando a concentração de açúcares solúveis nos frutos maduros, que, em contrapartida, resultou na queda nos teores de carotenoides. A queda nestes compostos antioxidantes foi, ao menos parcialmente, compensada por um aumento nos níveis de tocoferóis. Os resultados indicaram que a feofitinase possui um papel além da degradação de clorofila associada à senescência, e que sua manipulação leva ao desenvolvimento de frutos com maior teor de açúcares solúveis e de tocoferóis ao custo da redução no de carotenoides. Desta forma, estas evidências suportam a manipulação da clorofila como estratégia para o melhoramento de frutos carnosos. Para investigar o efeito da senescência sobre a produtividade e qualidade de frutos foi escolhido o fator de transcrição ORESARA1, o qual está amplamente caracterizado em A. thaliana e é considerado um regulador chave no desencadeamento deste processo. A partir de uma extensa análise filogenética e da caracterização de sua regulação, um putativo ortólogo foi selecionado como alvo para silenciamento. Como consequência desta manipulação, folhas apresentaram os níveis de clorofila incrementados. Além disto, taxas fotossintéticas maiores que as do genótipo controle foram mantidas por maior tempo indicando que a iniciação da senescência foi retardada. Assim, estas plantas produziram um maior número de frutos, consequentemente, aumentando o índice de colheita dessas linhagens. Os frutos maduros apresentaram maiores teores de açúcares solúveis e de tocoferóis. Os resultados demostraram que o retardo do início da senescência é uma estratégia efetiva para aumento da produtividade de tomateiro. Coletivamente, os resultados obtidos aprofundam o conhecimento acerta dos impactos da degradação de clorofila e senescência sobre o metabolismo de plantas com frutos carnoso, além de prover estratégias para se incrementar a produtividade e a qualidade nutricional de frutos

Several experiments were conducted to determine: the influence of canopy position, girdling, and defoliation on nectar production; whether instantaneous light measurements yield reliable estimates of cumulative seasonal light levels within the canopy; and the effect of the canopy light environment on spur leaf physiology and fruit quality. Defoliation of nongirdled flowering spurs had no effect on nectar production or composition, while defoliation of girdled spurs n~duced nectar sugar concentration by 24%. Canopy position had no influence on nectar production or composition. At full bloom there were differences in photosynthe~tic potential of spur leaves from different canopy positions. Exterior leaves had a greater maximum photosynthetic rate and an unique photosynthetic light response curve compared to the intermediate and interior leaves. Differences among positions persisted throughout the season. Stomatal conductance, specific leaf weight, dark respiration, and light levels were greater for the exterior leaves throughout the season. Instantaneous light measurements made on a single uniformly overcast day after the canopy was fully-developed (average of four times during the day) provided reliable estimates (predictive R2 > 0.90, n = 30) of total cumulative seasonal photosynthetic photon density (PPD). There was a I-to-l relationship between instantaneous and cumulative PPD after canopy development was complete providing both measures were expressed as a percentage. The relationships were equal over multiple dates for two consecutive years. Cloudless conditions provided poor estimates (predictive R2 = 0.49 to 0.80, n = 30). Light environment and harvest date influenced fruit quality characteristics within the canopy. Fruit red color, intensity of red color, and soluble solids concentration were all positively related to light level, with the highest R 2 on the early harvest dates. Fruit weight, firmness, length/ diameter ratio, starch index, and seed number were not consistently influenced by the light environment. The number of hours above an average photosynthetic photon flux density threshold of 250 I-£mol. m-2• sec'! explained slightly more of the variation in fruit quality characteristics than any other expressions of light.
Ph. D.

Mestrado Vinifera EuroMaster - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
The objective of this study was to determine the optimal timing of fruit-zone leaf removal for red wine grape cultivars, specifically Vitis vinifera ‘Merlot’, in the Yakima Valley, Washington using four different timings of fruit-zone leaf removal, (i) pre-bloom, (ii) full-bloom, (iii) 3 weeks post-bloom and (iv) no leaf removal (control). Fruit-zone leaf removal is a common canopy management technique, with increasing focus on early (pre-fruit set) timing. Little research exists on the impacts of early fruit-zone leaf removal in semiarid viticultural regions like the inland Pacific Northwest, USA. Shoot growth after leaf removal in the pre-bloom treatment temporarily decreased relative to the no leaf removal treatment (control). The incidence of summer lateral shoot development within the fruit-zone indicates that only pre-bloom fruit-zone leaf removal recovered to control levels by véraison. Percent fruit set was lowest in the pre-bloom treatment. Sunburn, powdery mildew and Botrytis bunch rot did not develop to any significant level in any treatment. Though not statistically significant, fruit-zone leaf removal increased surface temperatures of clusters and compound buds. The scope of this report does not provide adequate data for firm conclusions about the effects of early fruit-zone leaf removal on grapevine development and fruit quality. Outside of the summer lateral shoot data, the fruit-zone leaf removal treatments in this experiment were statistically similar to the no leaf removal treatment. However, trends in the data suggest fruit-zone leaf removal may impact vine vigor, fruit set, and fruit-zone microclimate providing ample cause for further research on this canopy management technique

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(農学)
甲第20007号
農博第2191号
新制||農||1045(附属図書館)
学位論文||H28||N5016(農学部図書室)
33103
京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻
(主査)教授 本田 与一, 教授 髙部 圭司, 准教授 坂本 正弘
学位規則第4条第1項該当

Dissertation (PhD(Agric)) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Net blotch of barley, caused by Pyrenophora teres, is one of the most important diseases of this cereal in the south Western Cape Province of South Africa. This fungus exists as two different types (forms), namely a nettype and a spot-type that are distinguished by differential symptom expression on barley leaves. Based on this specific plant pathological difference a series of studies of agricultural importance were executed to investigate the effects of sexual recombination between these two types. In addition, studies were done to determine the difference between local net- and spot-type populations with regards to population structure and fungicide sensitivity. This dissertation therefore, consists of a collection of separate publications and as a result a certain degree of redundancy has been unavoidable. Recombination is one of the most important evolutionary forces involved with sexual reproduction. In plant-fungal agricultural ecosystems this may result in pathogenic fungal populations adapting more rapidly to control programs such as fungicide applications. The first section of the review in part 1 of this dissertation covers different aspects of sexual reproduction in ascomycetes, specifically focussing on mating-type genes, vegetative incompatibility and recombination. The major part of the review is then dedicated to various plant pathological aspects of P.teres, specifically addressing the differences between the two types, and in various cases highlighting the significance of sexual recombination within and between the net- and spot-type. Using morphological criteria for identification purposes there have been many conflicting reports concerning the identity of leaf spot isolates in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In part 2, the correct identity was eventually achieved employing mating studies and molecular markers .: This was accomplished after single ascospores were obtained from pseudothecia after in vitro mating had occurred between a verified P. teres net-blotch isolate from Denmark and a representative Pyrenophora leaf spot isolate from South Africa. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and RAPD markers, recombination was demonstrated in the progeny that had DNA banding patterns different from the two parental isolates. Pathogenicity trials also confirmed that recombination had taken place during mating. Inoculations were conducted on the differential cultivars susceptible to the net-blotch and leaf spot forms. The two parents induced typical net-blotch or leaf spot symptoms whereas the progeny mostly induced a jagged spot symptom on each cultivar. Fungicide sensitivity tests using the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors showed that, due to recombination, some progeny could have increased resistance to these fungicides. Due to mating and subsequent recombination between a net blotch isolate of P. teres and a representative leaf spot isolate, it was concluded that the latter was P. teres f. maculata. Fifteen of the net-spot hybrid progeny (F1) produced from the mating study in Part 2 were screened in Part 3 to assess their viability and genetic stability. Hybrid progeny (F1) inoculated onto barley seedlings consisting of the cultivars Stirling (differentially susceptible to net-type isolates), B87/14 and Clipper (both differentially susceptible to spot-type isolates) produced intermediate symptoms on all cultivars. Axenic cultures (F1-1) isolated from foliar lesions, followed by repeated inoculation and isolation (F1-2) onto a healthy set of seedlings produced similar intermediate symptoms. RAPDs conducted with two 1Q-mer primers on all isolates of F1-1and F1-2progeny revealed profiles similar to those obtained for F1 isolates. RAPD molecular data, therefore, indicated that hybrid progeny of this net x spot mating were genetically stable after having been subjected to two repetitive inoculation and reisolation cycles. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) flanking the 5.8S nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and the 5' end partial histone-3 gene confirmed the genetic stability of the hybrid progeny. These results also indicated that the hybrid progeny produced consistent symptoms throughout the series of experiments, and maintained their virulence to the differential cultivars screened. Both types of P. teres are prevalent in the south Western Cape Province of South Africa, found on susceptible cultivars often grown within close proximity of each other. In Part 4, a net- and spot-type population were characterised in terms of their population structure using RAPD markers. Samples were collected from infected barley leaves from two separate quadrants in each field, the two quadrants positioned in corners of the fields, diagonal to one another. A total of 65 loci were produced of which 54 were polymorphic. Total gene diversities determined for all loci resulted in mean indices of 0.063 and 0.082 being obtained respectively for the net- and spottype populations. A coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gs) of 0.0149 was obtained between sites within populations while a coefficient (GT) of 0.63 was obtained between the two populations. Genotypic variation revealed 13 distinct multilocus genotypes (haplotypes) in the net-type population while there were 12 in the spot-type population. UPGMA cluster analysis done on the two populations together with six progeny from the mating between a netand spot-type isolate resulted in three main clusters being produced, one for each population and one for the progeny. One isolate collected from the nettype population also contained a unique spot-type RAPD fragment. This suggested that sexual recombination may be taking place between isolates of the net- and spot-type under field conditions. Fungicide application is the most important method used in the control of net blotch in South Africa. In Part 5 the fungicide sensitivities (ICsD values) of 89 monoconidial isolates (46 net-type and 43 spot-type) of P. teres to sterol demethylation inhibiting fungicides were determined, based on the inhibitory effect on radial mycelial growth. The fungicides evaluated were triadimenol, bromuconazole, flusilazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole. Both net- and spot-type isolates revealed strong resistance to triadimenol while flusilazole was shown to be the strongest inhibitor of fungal growth. Spot-type isolates showed a higher resistance than net-type isolates to all five fungicides screened. The ICsD values indicated significant differences between four of the fungicides (triadimenol, tebuconazole, flusilazole and propiconazole). The ICsD values between propiconazole and bromuconazole were not significant. This study suggested that spot-type isolates showed a higher degree of resistance to commercially used fungicides than net-type isolates. The overall conclusion of this study is that the spot-type of P. teres is the pathogen associated with leaf spots of barley in the south western Cape province of South Africa and not P. japonica as earlier reported. Together with the net-type, both types exist as genetically variable populations in this barley production region. Mating between the two types results in sexual progeny that are genetically stable. This implies that barley fields adjacent to one another in which either net- or spot-type susceptible cultivars are being cultivated may lead to sexual progeny being produced. This in turn may lead to an increased rate at which fungal populations may become resistant to commercially used fungicides. It is furthermore suggested that an alternative fungicide seed treatment is used instead of triadimenol due to high resistance of P. teres to this fungicide.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Netvlek op gars is een van die belangrikste siektes van hierdie graansoort in die suidelike deel van die Westelike Kaapprovinsie. Dié siekte word veroorsaak deur die swam Pyrenophora teres. Hierdie swam kom voor as twee verskillende tipes, naamlik 'n net-tipe en 'n kol-tipe wat onderskei word op grand van die voorkoms van hulle simptome op garsblare. Hierdie planpatologiese verskil in ag genome, is 'n reeks studies van landboukundige waarde uitgevoer om die effek van geslagtelike rekombinasie tussen die twee tipes te ondersoek. Daarbenewens is ook studies uitgevoer om om die verskil te bepaal tussen plaaslike net- en koltipe populasies ten opsigte van populasiestruktuur en fungisiedsensitiwiteit. Hierdie verhandeling bestaan dus uit 'n versameling afsonderlike publikasies en as gevolg daarvan is daar onvermydelik'n mate van oorvleueling. Rekombinasie is een van die belangrikste evolusionêre kragte betrokke by geslagtelike voortplanting. In plant-swam landboukundige ekostelsels kan dit veroorsaak dat patogene swampopulasies vinniger aanpas by beheerpragramme soos fungisiedtoediening. Die eerste gedeelte in deel 1 van hierdie verhandeling dek die verskillende aspekte van geslagtelike voortplanting van ascomycetes, met spesifieke verwysing na paringstipe gene, vegetatiewe onverenigbaarheid en rekombinasie. Die grootste gedeelte van die oorsig word gewyaan verskeie plantpatologiese aspekte van P. teres,en wys veralop die verskille tussen die twee tipes. In verskeie gevalle word die betekenis van geslagsrekombinasie binne en tussen die net- en koltipe uitgelig. Deur morfologiese kenmerke vir identifikasiedoeleindes te gebruik, is daar baie teenstrydige verslae rakende die identifikasie van blaarvlekisolate in die Westlike Kaapprovinsie van Suid-Afrika. In deel 2 is die korrekte identifikasie eventueel verkry deur gebruik te maak van paringstudies en molekulêre merkers. Dit is bereik nadat enkel ascospore verkry is uit pseudothecia gevorm na in vitro paring plaasgevind het tussen 'n bevestigde P. teres netvlek isolaat uit Denemarke en 'n verteenwoordigende Pyrenophora blaarvlekisolaat van Suid- Afrika. Deur gebruik te maak van versterkte fragmentlengte polimorfisme [AFLP] en RAPD merkers, is rekombinasie gedemonstreer in die nasate wat DNA bandpatrone gehad het wat verskil het van dié van die "ouer" isolate. Patogenisiteitstoetse het ook bevestig dat rekombinasie tydens paring plaasgevind het. Inokulasies is uitgevoer op die verskillende cultivars wat vatbaar is vir die netvlek en blaarvlek vorme. Die twee ouers het tipiese netvlek of blaarvlek simptome veroorsaak, terwyl die nasate hoekige vlekke veroorsaak het op elke cultivar. Toetse vir fungisiedsensitiwiteit deur gebruik van die ergosterol biosintese inhibeerders het gewys dat a.g.v. rekombinasie sekere nasate verhoogde weerstand teen hierdie fungisiedes het. As gevolg van paring en daaropvolgende rekombinasie tussen 'n netvlek isolaat van P. teres en 'n verteenwoordigende blaarvlek isolaat is afgelei dat laasgenoemde P. teres f. maculata is. Vyftien van die netvlek hibried nakomelinge (F1) verkry van die paringstudie in deel 2 is ondersoek in deel 3 om hul lewensvatbaarheid en genetiese stabiliteit te bepaal. Hibried nasate (F1) geïnokuleer op garssaailinge bestaande uit die volgende cultivars: Stirling (soms vatbaar vir net-tipe isolate) , B87/14 en Clipper (albei soms vatbaar vir kol-tipe isolate) het intermediêre simptome op al die cultivars veroorsaak. Akseniese kulture (F1-1) geïsoleer uit blaarletsels gevolg deur herhaalde inokulasie en isolasie (F1-2) op 'n gesonde stel saailinge het dieselfde intermediêre simptome veroorsaak. RAPDs uitgevoer met twee 10-mer inleiers op al die isolate van F1-1 en F1-2 nasate het profiele opgelewer soortgelyk aan dié wat vir F1 isolate verkry is. RAPD molekulêre data het dus gewys dat die hibried nasate van hierdie net x kol paring geneties stabiel was nadat dit onderwerp is aan twee inokulasie en reïsolasie siklusse. Genetiese stabiliteit van die hibried nageslag is bevestig deur filogenetiese analise van die DNA volgorde van die interne getranskribeerde spasieerders (ITS1 en ITS2) reg langs die 5.8S nukluêre ribosomale RNA geen en die 5' end gedeeltelike histoon-3 geen. Hierdie resultate het ook gewys dat die hibried nasate konstante simptome getoon het tydens die hele reeks eksperimente en hulle virulensie behou het vir die kultivars wat getoets is. Beide tipes van P. teres kom algemeen voor in die suidelike deel van die Westelike Kaapprovinsie en word gevind op vatbare cultivars wat dikwels naby mekaar groei. In deel 4 is 'n net- en kol-tipe populasie gekarakteriseer in terme van hulle populasiestruktuur deur gebruik van RAPD merkers. Monsters is versamel van geïnfekteerde garsblare van twee aparte kwadrante in elke saailand. Die twee kwadrante is geplaas in die hoeke van die saailand, diagonaal tot mekaar. 'n Totaal van 65 lokusse is gevorm, waarvan 54 polimorfies was. Die algehele genetiese verskeidenheid bepaal vir alle lokusse, het gelei tot gemiddelde indekse van 0.063 en 0.082 soos gevind vir die net- en kol-tipe populasies. 'n Koëffisiënt van genetiese differensiasie (Gs ) van 0.0149 is gevind tussen gebiede tussen populasies, terwyl 'n koëffisiënt (GT) van 0.63 gevind is tussen die twee populasies. Genotipiese variasie het 13 duidelike multilokus genotipes (haplotipes) getoon in die net-tipe populasie, terwyl daar twaalf was in die kol-tipe populasie. UPGMA groeperingsanalises wat gedoen is op die twee populasies tesame met ses nasate van die paring van 'n net- en koltipe isolaat het tot gevolg gehad dat drie hoof groepe gevorm is, een vir elke populasie en een vir die nasate. Een isolaat wat versamel is, van die net-tipe populasie het 'n unieke kol-tipe RAPD fragment bevat. Dit wys daarop dat geslagtelike rekombinasie in veldomstandighede mag voorkom tussen isolate van die net- en kol-tipe. Fungisiedtoediening is die belangrikste metode wat gebruik word om netvlek in Suid-Afrika te beheer. In deel 5 is die fungisiedsensitiwteit (Ieso waardes) van 89 enkelkonidiale isolate (46 net-tipe en 43 kol-tipe) van P. teres teen sterol demetielasie inhiberende fungisiedes bepaal, op die basis van die onderdrukkende effek op die radiale groei van die miselium. Die volgende fungisiedes is geëvalueer: triadimenol, bromuconazole, flusilazole, propiconazole en tebuconazole. Beide net- en kol-tipe isolate het 'n sterk weerstand teen triadimenol openbaar, terwyl flusilazole gevind is as die sterkste onderdrukker van swamgroei. Kol-tipe isolate het 'n hoër weerstand as die net-tipe isolate teen al vyf fungisiedes wat getoets is, gehad. Die lesowaardes het aangedui dat daar beduidende verskille tussen vier van die fungisiedes IS (triadimenol, tebuconazole, flusilazole en propiconazole). Die leso waardes tussen propiconazole en bromuconazole was nie beduidend nie. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie is dus dat die kol-tipe isolate 'n hoër graad van weerstand teen kommersiëel gebruikte fungisiedes as die net-tipe isolate gehad het. Die algehele gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie is dat die kol-tipe van P. teres, die patogeen is wat geassosieer word met blaarvlekke op gars in die suidwestelike Kaapprovinsie van Suid-Afrika, en nie P. japonica soos voorheen gerapporteer nie. Tesame met die net-tipe, kom altwee tipes voor as geneties veranderlike populasies in hierdie gars verbouingstreek. Paring tussen die twee tipes lei tot geslagtelike nasate wat geneties stabiel is. Dit impliseer dat aangrensende garsvelde waarop net- óf kol-tipe vatbare kultivars verbou word, mag lei tot die produksie van geslagtelike nasate. Dit kan weer lei tot 'n verhoogde tempo waarteen swampopulasies weerstandbiedend teenoor kommersiële fungisiedes raak. Daar word verder ook voorgestel dat alternatiewe fungisied saadbehandelings gebruik word in plaas van triadimenol as gevolg van verhoogde weerstand van P. teres teenoor laasgenoemde.

Leaf diseases are an integral part of banana production. While currently not a cause for major concern in South Africa, many of these diseases van reach epidemic proportions and cause severe crop loss. To determine the present status of leaf diseases in South Africa, a survey was conducted in the five banana-growing regions of the country. The study indicated the following: Yello Sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella musicola was the most prevalent disease and occurred in all five the regions. Mycosphaerella speckle and Cordana leaf spot, caused by M. musae and Cornana musae respectively, were present in four regions. Cladosporium speckle, caused by Cladosporium musae, was found only in the Levubu area. Various other fungi, mainly saprobes and endophytes, were also isolated. The most commonly encountered species included Alternaria alternate, Colletrichum gloeosporioides, Nigrospora oryzae, N. sacchari, N. Spaerica, Pestalotiopsis sp., Phoma glomerata, Selenophoma asterina and S. juncea. Following morphological identification of the pathogenic species, monoconidial isolates were established from representative isolates of each and their virulence confirmed in artificial inoculation studies. The identity of M. musciola and Cladosporium musae was verified molecularly by means of species-specific primers and/or sequencing of the ITS region. Validation of the identity of Cladosporium musae constitutes the first report of Cladosporium speckle on banana in South Africa. Sequence data of the ITS region of isolates from Mycospaerella speckle lesions indicated that the symptoms are caused by two species, M. musae and one closely related to M. colombiensis, the latter previously described only from lesions on leaves of Eucalyptus urophylla in Colombia.
Dissertation (MSc (Microbiology))--University of Pretoria, 2002.
Microbiology and Plant Pathology
unrestricted

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
The occurrence of both pre- and postharvest leaf blackening in certain Protea species and cultivars is a problem that severely limits their marketability, vase life and transport options. This research focuses on : (I) The distribution of carbohydrates in inflorescence bearing stems of certain Protea cultivars from harvest, following pulsing with a 10 g.L-1 glucose solution until four weeks postharvest. Stems were held under a variety of postharvest conditions, and (II) The suppression of Protea postharvest leaf blackening with specific focus on the cultivar ‘Sylvia’ (P. eximia x P. susannae).

Dissertation (PhD (Agric))--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Leaf blackening is a particular problem limiting vase life and marketability of Protea cut flowers. This research investigated suppression of Protea leaf blackening with a specific focus on Protea cv. Sylvia (P. eximia x P. susannae) cut flowers. Leaf blackening decreased significantly with decreasing storage temperatures m 'Sylvia' proteas and this was attributed to lower respiration rate and conservation of carbohydrate. Low storage temperatures were beneficial in short term handling procedures encountered during airfreight. However, use of low temperatures alone during the longer sea freight period was unsatisfactory in either maintaining or extending 'Sylvia' protea vase life. Cooling of 'Sylvia' proteas under vacuum significantly suppressed leaf blackening and was of greater benefit than forced air cooling. Although removal of the uppermost leaves delayed leaf blackening in short term storage no significant benefit was found for longer storage periods. Girdling directly beneath the 'Sylvia' protea flowerhead significantly reduced leaf blackening and in combination with low storage temperatures (O°C) enabled a significant extension in both storage and vase life of 'Sylvia' proteas. 'Sylvia' proteas did not exhibit a climacteric respiration peak during 96 h storage at O°C. Exposure to ethylene did not increase Protea leaf blackening or have a detrimental effect on vase life of either proteas or pincushions evaluated. No beneficial response to sucrose supplementation was found in 'Sylvia' proteas. Analysis of the sugar content of both flowerhead and leaves indicated that glucose supplementation might be of benefit and was investigated. Holding solutions of 2.5 % glucose significantly extended vase life due to a significant reduction in leaf blackening. Vase life was terminated due to flowerhead collapse instead of leaf blackening for the first time in 'Sylvia' protea cut flowers. Vase life was significantly extended by 2:3% glucose pulse solutions and leaf blackening significantly suppressed with increasing glucose pulse concentration. Solution uptake was facilitated by use of high intensity PAR lights in the early morning and was attributed to increased stomata opening and a consequent increase in both transpiration and glucose solution uptake. The faster uptake of glucose solutions in shoots harvested in the afternoon was attributed to higher shoot temperatures and consequent transpiration rate to those harvested in the morning. There was a significant reduction in uptake time with increasing pulse temperature, which enabled vacuum cooling to be performed earlier further benefiting storage and vase life extension. Enclosure of 'Sylvia' proteas in polyethylene (PE) lined cartons did suppress leaf blackening in non-pulsed shoots. However, this had no practical significance on useful vase life, which was terminated at this point due to excessive leaf blackening. Water loss appears to have a minimal influence on 'Sylvia' protea leaf blackening. Shading at four and three weeks prior to harvest coincided with a period of significant flowerhead dry mass increase. It is thought that shading at this point, concurrent with an increased carbohydrate demand by the developing flower head resulted in a temporary limitation in carbohydrate supply resulting in the appearance of preharvest leaf blackening. It would appear that proteas do not store large quantities of carbohydrate. Although accentuating winter light conditions by shading did result in a decrease in carbohydrate content the fact that carbohydrate content was already low precluded shading from having a significant impact on postharvest leaf blackening. The finding that glucose was beneficial in extension of both storage and vase life of 'Sylvia' proteas directed research into its use for other Protea and Leucospermum cut flowers. Significant differences in the response to glucose supplementation were found in both Protea and Leucospermum (pincushions). The significant difference in sensitivity to glucose concentration in 'Pink Ice' proteas (phytotoxic at 2:4%) and 'Susara' proteas (no apparent toxicity), in conjunction with a lack of response in 'Cardinal' proteas, a hybrid from the same parents as 'Sylvia' indicates the need to direct future research to individual cultivars. Glucose supplementation had no beneficial effect on vase life of 'Scarlet Ribbon' and 'Tango' pincushions, whilst significantly extending vase life of 'Cordi', 'Gold Dust', 'High Gold' and 'Succession' pincushions.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Blaarverswarting is 'n spesifieke probleem wat die vaasleeftyd en die bemarkbaarheid van Protea snyblomme beperk. In hierdie navorsing is ondersoek ingestel na die onderdrukking van Protea blaarverswarting met spesifieke fokus op die snyblomme van die kv. Sylvia (P. eximia x P. susannae). Die voorkoms van blaarverswarting by 'Sylvia' het merkbaar afgeneem tydens die verlaging van bergingstemperature. Hierdie afname is toegeskryf aan 'n laer respirasietempo en die behoud van koolhidrate. Lae bergingstemperature in die korttermyn hantering van die produk tydens lugvrag was voordelig. Die gebruik van lae temperature, slegs tydens die langer verskeepingsperiode, was egter onbevredigend vir vaasleeftyd verlenging en onderhoud van 'Sylvia' protea. Die afkoeling van 'Sylvia' proteas onder vakuum het blaarverswarting in 'n groot mate onderdruk en het beter resultate gelewer as geforseerde lugverkoeling. Alhoewel die verwydering van die heel boonste blare blaarverswarting by korttermynopberging vertraag het, het dit geen merkbare voordele vir langer bergingsperiodes ingehou nie. Ringelering direk onder die blomkop van die 'Sylvia' protea het blaarverswarting aansienlik verminder, en saam met lae bergingstemperature (O°C) het dit 'n merkbare verlenging in beide die bergingstyd en die vaasleeftyd van 'Sylvia' proteas teweeggebring. 'Sylvia' proteas het geen klimakteriese respirasiekruin tydens 'n bergingsperiode van 96 uur teen O°C getoon nie. Blootstelling aan etileen het nie die Protea blaarverswarting laat toeneem of 'n nadelige effek op die vaasleeftyd van die proteas of speldekussings wat geevalueer is, gehad nie. Geen voordelige reaksie op sukrose-byvoeging is in 'Sylvia' proteas gevind nie. 'n Analise van die suikerinhoud van beide die blomkoppe en die blare het aangetoon dat 'n glukose-byvoeging moontlik voordelig kon wees, en hierdie aspek is ondersoek. Met stooroplossings van 2,5 % glukose is die vaasleeftyd aansienlik verleng omdat daar 'n merkbare afname in blaarverswarting was. Vir die eerste keer in die geval van die 'Sylvia' protea, het die vaasleeftyd van die snyblomrne tot 'n einde gekom omdat die blornkoppe uitmekaar gebreek het en nie omdat blaarverswarting ingetree het nie. Die vaasleeftyd is aansienlik verleng met ~ 3% glukose-pulsoplossings, en blaarverswarting is merkbaar onderdruk met die verhoging van hierdie oplossings se glukosekonsentrasie. Die opname van die oplossings is gefasiliteer deur hoe intensiteit PAR (fotosinteties-aktiewe radiasie) ligte vroeg in die oggend, en is toegeskryf daaraan dat meer huidmondjies oopgegaan het. Dit het gelei tot 'n toename in transpirasie en 'n toename in die opname van die glukose-oplossing. Die feit dat glukose-oplossings vinniger opgeneem is deur lote wat in die middag geoes is, is toegeskryf daaraan dat loottemperature dan hoer is as soggens en gevolglik lei tot 'n vinniger transpirasietempo. Daar was 'n merkbare afname in die opnametyd wanneer die temperatuur van die pulsoplossings verhoog is. Vakuumafkoeling kon dus vroeer toegepas word, wat 'n verlenging in bergingstyd en vaasleeftyd tot gevolg gehad het. Verpakking van 'Sylvia' proteas in kartonne wat met poli-etileen uitgevoer is, het blaarverswarting van lote wat nie aan pulsering onderwerp is nie, onderdruk. Hierdie maatreel het egter geen praktiese waarde met betrekking tot vaasleeftyd nie; die vaasleeftyd het tot 'n einde gekom as gevolg van omvangryke blaarverswarting. Dit lyk asof waterverlies weinig invloed het op die blaarverswarting van' Sylvia' proteas. Die vermoede bestaan dat lae koolhidraatvlakke proteas ontvanklik maak vir blaarverswarting. Alhoewel die beklemtoning van winterligtoestande deur beskaduwing gelei het tot 'n afname in koolhidraatinhoud, was hierdie inhoud reeds laag en blaarverswarting na die oes is nie beinvloed nie. Beskaduwing tydens die vier en drie weke voor oestyd het saamgeval met 'n tydperk van aansienlike toename in die droe massa van die blomkop. Die vermoede bestaan dat beskaduwing tydens hierdie fase, saam met die toename in die ontwikkelende blomkop se behoefte aan koolhidrate, aanleiding gegee het tot 'n tydelike beperking in koolhidraatvoorraad wat die voorkoms van blaarverswarting voor die oes tot gevolg gehad het. Die bevinding dat glukose voordelig is vir die verlenging van beide die bergingstyd en die vaasleeftyd van 'Sylvia' proteas het die navorsing gerig om ook ondersoek in te stel na die gebruik daarvan vir ander Protea en Leucospermum snyblomme. Merkbare veranderinge is gevind in die reaksie op glukosebyvoegings in beide Protea en Leucospermum (speldekussings). Die opmerklike verskil in sensitiwiteit vir glukosekonsentrasie in 'Pink Ice' proteas (fitotoksies by ~ 4%) en 'Susara' proteas (geen klaarblyklike toksisiteit), saam met 'n gebrek aan reaksie by 'Cardinal' proteas, 'n hibried van dieselfde ouers as 'Sylvia', dui aan dat verdere navorsing op individuele kultivars toegespits sal rnoet word. Glukosebyvoegings het geen voordelige uitwerking op die vaasleeftyd van 'Scarlet Ribbon' en 'Tango' speldekussings gehad nie, terwyl dit die vaasleeftyd van 'Cordi', 'Gold Dust', 'High Gold' en 'Succession' speldekussingkultivars merkbaar verIeng het.

The effects of foliar applied urea and potassium chloride on the severity of leaf diseases of cereals were investigated in the laboratory, glasshouse and field between 1992 and 1995. Field studies with urea gave inconsistent results with respect to severity of Erysiphe graminis and consistently increased the leaf area affected by Septaria tritici. However, potassium chloride applied as a foliar spray consistently decreased the leaf area of wheat affected by E. graminis and S. trifid compared with equivalent applications of soil applied fertiliser. Disease control was achieved at early stem extension and after flag leaf emergence but yield responses were not detected. Laboratory investigations were undertaken to determine the mechanism by which foliar applied potassium chloride reduced the leaf area affected by E. graminis. The timing of application, within seven days pre or post inoculation, had no consistent effect on the efficacy of the fertiliser. Investigations using polyethylene glycol as a control showed that the percentage leaf area affected declined linearly as the osmotic potential of the solutions were increased. Light microscopy revealed that the germination of spores in solution and on treated leaves was reduced as the osmotic potential of the solutions were increased. Spores which did germinate developed normally but those on leaves treated with solutions of high osmotic potential rarely formed haustoria. This suggested a second mechanism acting inside the leaf. Multiple regression analysis of experimental data indicated that the inhibition of spore germination was the major response reducing the area of the leaf affected. Although the data were not conclusive it appeared that the increase in leaf water potential, following the foliar application of potassium chloride, was involved in the control of E. graminis.

Volatile metabolites from headspace gas of mango cultivars Tommy Atkins and Keitt, wounded and inoculated with two pathogens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae or non-inoculated controls were profiled using a GC/MS to develop a technology to discriminate diseases. Several disease discriminatory compounds were identified and classified into three groups: (i) compounds unique to only one treatment; (ii) compounds common to two or more treatments but not to all; and (iii) compounds common to all treatments but with varying in their abundance. 1-pentanol and boronic acid ethyl were detected in only Lasiodiplodia-inoculated mangoes while thujol was observed only in Colletotrichum-inoculated mangoes. Models based on significant mass ions classified up to 100% of the diseases/inoculations. The disease discriminatory compounds and discriminant analysis models developed here could be used in the early detection of postharvest diseases of mango fruit, after validation under commercial conditions.

Injuries sustained by citrus fruit during harvest and postharvest handling and storage allow the entry of wound pathogens, including Penicillium digitatum Sacc (green mold) and P. italicum Wehmer (blue mold), the two major pathogens of citrus fruit being the causal agents of green and blue mold diseases, respectively. Control of these pathogens has classically been conducted with chemical fungicides, but a growing international concern over the often indiscriminate use of synthetic fungicides, the presence of residues in the food and in the environment, as well as the development of fungal resistance and the possible harmful effects on human health, make it necessary to undertake new approaches for disease control that minimize health and environmental risks. In this work we evaluated the effectiveness of inducers of disease resistance for postharvest control of green mold of citrus. The chemical inducers exerted direct antimicrobial activity against of P. digitatum, P. italicum and Geotrichum candidum when tested in vitro on PDA and on orange peel extract agar media, with differences related to their concentrations and challenged pathogens. The antimicrobial efficacy of BABA and chitosan was also confirmed by their ability to inhibit in vitro P. digitatum conidial germination. Moreover, BABA and chitosan significantly reduced disease incidence and severity when applied on citrus fruit. On the opposite, none of ASM concentrations conferred protection against P. digitatum. The induction of resistance of BABA compound was detected on lemon and grapefruit when P. digitatum was inoculated into wounds made at 1 cm from the original BABA-treated sites. Curative and preventive treatments with Pseudomonas syringae, Trichoderma atroviride and Wickerhamomyces anomalus biocontrol strains were evaluated alone and in different combined mixtures with hot water, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, ASM and chitosan. Combined applications of sodium bicarbonate, hot water and biocontrol agents efficiently controlled green mold when treatments were applied 24 and 48 hours before the pathogen inoculation. When sodium carbonate, hot water and biocontrol agents were co-inoculated with P. digitatum green mold was significantly controlled as well even if less effectively, whereas fruit inoculated 24h before treatments developed green mold, and no treatment managed to control significantly P. digitatum. We have analysed gene expression levels of chitinase, b-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, gluthatione peroxidase in responses to curative and preventive biocontrol treatments. On the whole, CHI1, PAL and GPX1 over-expressions were observed within 2h after treatments, but only CHI1 over-expresion was observed for each treatment (curative and protectives). Quantitative RT-PCR technique showed that treatment with sodium bicarbonate, hot water and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 48SR2 induced the highest increases in the levels of chitinase gene transcripts 48h after treatments and 2h after pathogen inoculation. P. syringae pv. syringae strains are able produce cyclic lipodepsipeptides correlated with the ability to control postharvest fungal pathogens. In this work treatment with sodium bicarbonate, hot water and Pss 48SR2 generated weak over-expression of syrB1 gene and high over-expression of sypA in citrus peel tissue 48h after teatment and in absence of P. digitatum. However, P. digitatum inoculation strongly induced syrB1 gene expression and, on the opposite, weakly induced sypA genes expression. Pathogen inoculation resulted to be strongly stimulatory only to syrB1 expression, suggesting that at least syrB1 gene is involved in biocontrol activity. These data indicate type of treatments that could be successfully used to control post-harvest fruit diseases and suggest that a signal produced by the pathogen is essential for triggering enhanced transcription levels of both defence-related and lipodepsipeptides synthetase genes.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Leaf blackening, a postharvest disorder which is characterized by a dark brown to black discoloration, is found in most commercially important Protea cut flower species and cultivars. As this disorder is known to increase with storage time, it is a major concern to the South African industry as the use of sea freight is increasingly preferred due to lower transport costs and a more favourable carbon footprint. The cause of leaf blackening has been strongly linked to a carbohydrate stress exerted by the large inflorescence, thus requiring the utilization of sugar bound polyphenols in the foliage, which when removed, can oxidize enzymatically or non-enzymatically. A study where harvesting was done throughout the season as well as on selected days at 08:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00, concluded that leaf blackening incidences in Protea cv. Sylvia stems varies significantly throughout the season, between years and even with the harvest time of day. Leaf blackening incidences increased from October onwards and remained high until February, before decreasing to acceptably lower levels towards March to May. Carbohydrate- and phenolic content together with water status of leaves at harvest was not able to accurately predict incidence of the associated leaf blackening. However, irrespective of the season of harvesting, leaf blackening was significantly lower when stems were harvested later in the day than compared to stems harvested in the morning. Low sucrose and high water content at these harvest times was positively correlated to high incidences of leaf blackening. In a next study where uptake dynamics of glucose pulsing was investigated, Protea cv. Sylvia was harvested at different times throughout the day, dehydrated to various levels and pulsed with an increasing range of glucose concentrations. Pulsing solution uptake per stem was found to be highly influenced by these factors, as dehydration of stems and a harvest time later during the day both decreased stem water potential, which then increased pulse-solution uptake within a certain time period. The daily harvest time influenced transpiration, whilst pulse-solution uptake decreased with an increase in glucose pulse concentration. When stems were pulsed pre-storage with an increasing range of glucose concentrations, not only did pulses of between 4.7 – 13.7% glucose significantly delayed the incidence of leaf blackening, but it also maintained a positive water balance longer in stems during vase life. Ethanol or acetaldehyde vapour did not provide a viable alternative for reducing leaf blackening incidence in Protea cv. Sylvia, although a synergistic effect was found when ethanol vapour or pulsing was used in combination with glucose. A commercial verification trial disclosed that Protea magnifica and Protea ‘Pink Ice’ reacted more beneficial to ethanol vapour than was observed in ‘Sylvia’. This study confirms that carbohydrate availability within the Protea cut stem remains a key factor in the control of leaf blackening. Factors which assist in maintaining high internal carbohydrate levels, such as enhanced glucose pulse uptake or effective vase solution utilization will contribute to providing an optimum control of leaf blackening during vase life following long-term cold storage.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Loofblaarverbruining is ‘n na-oes defek wat gekarakteriseer word deur ‘n donker bruin na swart verkleuring wat voorkom in meeste kommersieël belangrike Protea snyblom spesies en kultivars. Hierdie defek is bekend daarvoor dat dit toeneem met stoortyd, dus is dit ‘n groot kommer vir die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie, met toenemende gebruik van seevrag as vervoer keuse wat laer vervoer kostes en meer gunstige ‘koolstof voetspoor’ bevoordeel. Die oorsaak van loofblaarverbruining word sterk gekoppel aan ‘n koolhidraat stres wat uitgeoefen word deur die groot bloeiwyse op die loofblare, waar suiker-gebonde polifenoliese verbindings ensiematies of nieensiematies geoksideer word met die verwydering van die suiker verbinding. 'n Studie waar geoes was regdeur die seisoen, sowel as op geselekteerde dae om 08:00, 12:00, 15:00 en 17:00, het bevind dat die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining in stele van Protea kv. Sylvia aansienlik geskil regdeur die seisoen, tussen jare en selfs met die oes tyd gedurende die dag. Die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining het toegeneem vanaf Oktober en het hoog gebly tot en met Februarie, voordat dit gedaal het tot aanvaarbare laer vlakke teen Maart, tot en met Mei. Koolhidraat-en fenoliese inhoud sowel as die water status van die blare by oes was onsuksesvol om die voorkoms van die gepaardgaande loofblaarverbruining akkuraat te voorspel. Loofblaarverbruining was egter aansienlik laer as stele geoes later in die dag teenoor stele geoes in die oggend, ongeag die seisoen van oes. Lae sukrose en 'n hoë water inhoud geassosieer met hierdie oes-tye was positief gekorreleerd met ‘n hoë voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining. In 'n volgende studie waar die opname dinamika van glukose pulsing ondersoek was, is Protea kv. Sylvia stele geoes op verskillende tye dwarsdeur die dag, gedehidreer tot verskillende vlakke en met 'n toenemende reeks van glukose konsentrasies gepuls. Pulsoplossing opname per steel is sterk beïnvloed deur hierdie faktore, aangesien dehidrasie van die stele asook stele geoes later gedurende die dag die afname van steel waterpotensiaal veroorsaak het, terwyl die puls-oplossing opname versnel het binne ‘n bepaalde tyd. Die tyd van oes beïnvloed ook transpirasie, terwyl vaas oplossing opname afgeneem met 'n toename in glukose puls konsentrasie. Wanneer ‘Sylvia’ stele gepuls was voor stoor met 'n reeks van toenemende glukose konsentrasies, het nie net die puls van tussen 4.7 – 13.7% glukose aansienlik die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining vertraag nie, maar dit het ook ‘n positiewe water balans langer in stele gedurende die vaas lewe behou. Nie etanol of asetaldehied dampe is bevind as geskikte alternatief vir glukose pulsing om die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining in Protea kv. Sylvia te verlaag nie, alhoewel ‘n sinergistiese effek waargeneem was wanneer etanol in kombinasie met glukose gebruik was. ‘n Kommersieële bevestigingstoetsing het bevind dat Protea magnifica en ‘Pink Ice’ meer voordeel uit ‘n ethanoldamp behandeling kon trek teenoor ‘Sylvia’. Hierdie studie het bevestig die belangrikheid van koolhidraat beskikbaarheid in die Protea snyblom, vir beheer van loofblaarverbruining. Faktore wat die handhawing van hoë interne koolhidrate vlakke, soos bevorderde glukose puls opname of effektiewe vaas oplossing benutting sal bydra tot ‘n optimal beheer van loofblaarverbruining tydens vaas lewe na langtermyn koueopberging.
National Research Fund (NRF) for their financial support in 2009; Protea Producers of South Africa (PPSA) and Productschap Tuinbouw (PT) as well as the Frank Batchelor Will Trust Grant for the financial support.

Cultivars and germplasm lines of cotton, Gossvpium hirsutum L., differed in response to infection by the cotton leaf crumple virus (CLCV). The most widely grown cultivars in Arizona and southern California, 'Deltapine 90' and 'Deltapine 61', are susceptible, while ' Cedix', developed in El Salvador, and 'Coral', developed in Nicaragua, are highly resistant or immune. Nineteen other lines from a resistance breeding project in Nicaragua showed highly variable responses.

A serious virus disease of cotton in Pakistan is distantly related to cotton leaf crumple in Arizona. It is much more destructive on cotton than leaf crumple, and has never been found in the western hemisphere. Cotton leaf crumple in Arizona causes only modestly damaging midseason infections, while leaf curl, has had a major impact on the crop in Pakistan. Modern transportation and the increasing movement of living plants in global trade has resulted in them recent introduction of a similar disease of another crop to the western hemisphere.

The 1985 and 1986 Cotton Reports have the same publication and P-Series numbers.
Cotton leaf crumple (CLC) is incited by a whitefly- transmitted plant virus that infects primarily species within the genus Gossvpium. An extensive host range study was undertaken to identify other hosts which could serve as virus reservoirs in cotton growing areas. More than 20 plant species within the Leguminosae and Malvaceae were identified as CLCV hosts, some of which may be important in the epidemiology of the disease both in cotton and in newly recognized host crop species.

The strength of leaf fibers and the nutritional value of the edible fruit of several yucca species native to the U.S. southwest were studied to aid in the determination of species best suited for commercial cultivation by the Navajo Nation. The leaves were softened in an autoclave to facilitate the removal of the leaf matrix, conditioned in environmentally controlled chambers, and the fibers were broken using a texture analyzer. The fibers were frozen and cross sectioned and photographed to determine cross sectional area. Official methods were used to determine the nutritional content of the fruit. The mean tensile strength of Y. angustissima, Y. baccata, and Y. glauca was 484 ±79, 710±174, and 388±104 MPa, respectively. Fibers from the leaves of Y. baccata had a significantly higher tensile strength than the leaves of the other two species. Nutritional profiling of the fruit of Y. angustissima and Y. baccata indicated that the fruit of both species are good sources of vitamin C (73-119 mg/100g) and thiamin (0.20 to 0.22 mg/100g). Because of its edible fruit and superior leaf fiber tensile strength, Y. baccata is recommended as the best species for cultivation and commercialization.

Thesis (MScAgric.)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Phomopsis cane and leaf spot disease of grapevine is an economically important disease in many of the vine-growing areas of the world. Four different Phomopsis spp. have previously been associated with this disease. The present study investigates the taxonomic significance of the different taxa found on grapevines in South Africa, as well as the endophytic growth and fungicide sensitivity of Phomopsis viticola isolates. The thesis is compiled of several different parts, which deal with specific, but related topics, and hence some duplication has been unavoidable. Understanding the epidemiology of a disease is important for the correct timing of disease control. To investigate the endophytic growth of P. viticola, asymptomatic shoots were collected at eight different growth stages. Nodes, internodes, leaf petioles, leaves, tendrils and bunch peduncles were investigated. Two Phomopsis spp., taxon 1 and 2 were identified in this study. The Phomopsis viticola-complex had a relative importance of 9% and accounted for 3% of the isolations. P. viticola (taxon 2) is mainly isolated from the nodes and internodes. Inoculations of healthy, young vine tissue confirmed taxon 2 to be a virulent pathogen, suggesting that it is a latent pathogen rather than an endophyte. In contrast, taxon 1 appeared to be a true endophyte, and did not seem to be an important pathogen on vines. The true identity of the causal organism of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot disease was investigated by collecting samples from 58 different vineyards in the grapevine growing areas of the Western Cape. P. viiicola occurred in grapevine material collected from Lutzville to Swellendam, but was not found in the Oudtshoorn and Orange River grapevine areas. Diaporthe perjuncta (taxon 1), P. vutcola (taxon 2), taxon 3 and a Phomopsis species commonly associated with shoot blight of peaches in the U.S.A., P. amygdali, were identified among the South African grapevine isolates. Examination of the Australian culture designated as taxon 4 found it to be a species of Libertella, thus excluding it from the P. viticola-complex. An Italian isolate was found to represent a species of Phomopsis not previously known from grapevines, and this was subsequently described as taxon 5. Species delimitation was based on morphological and cultural characteristics, stem inoculations and the formation of the teleomorph in vitro. The identity of each morphological taxon was confirmed by means of phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS 1 and ITS2) and the 5' end partial sequence of the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU). P. amygdali, associated with peach shoot blight in the U.S.A., was isolated once only and appeared to be of lesser importance in this disease complex. Furthermore, taxa 1 (Diaporthe perjuncta) and 3 were also rarely encountered and proved to be non-pathogenic, indicating their non-functional role in Phomopsis cane and leaf spot disease. Taxon 2 (Phomopsis viticolas was common and widely distributed in diseased vineyards. This taxon was associated with the typical disease symptoms and proved to be pathogenic. Morphologically taxon 2 corresponded best with P. viticola, which was also neotypified in this study. Taxon 2 was mostly isolated from buds and nodes, indicating that these are important sites in which the fungus survives during winter. Molecular data indicated that taxon 3 and P. amygdali were not host specific to grapevine. The currently used foliar fungicides were compared to the new strobilurin fungicides. The effects of nine fungicides (azoxystrobin, flusilazole, folpet, fosetyl- Al+mancozeb, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, penconazole, spiroxamine and trifloxystrobin) were tested in vitro on inhibition of mycelial growth. The following EC50 (ug/ml) values were obtained: azoxystrobin (0.350), flusilazole (0.007), folpet (4.489), fosetyl-Al+mancozeb (3.925), kresoxim-methyl (1.665), mancozeb (2.891), penconazole (0.023), spiroxamine (0.321) and trifloxystrobin (0.051). Additionally, azoxystrobin, folpet, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, propineb and trifloxystrobin were tested for their ability to inhibit spore germination in vitro. The subsequent EC50 (ug/ml) values were obtained: azoxystrobin 0.123), folpet (0.510), kresoxim-methyl (0.0037), mancozeb (0.250), propineb (0.156) and trifloxystrobin (0.003). The results reported in part 4 showed that the strobilurin fungicides inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of P. viticola. However, further trials need to be conducted to verify these findings under field conditions. In the present study taxa 1, 3 and P. amygdali were infrequently isolated, suggesting that they played a less prominent role in the P. viticolacomplex.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Streepvleksiekte van wingerd is 'n ekonomies belangrike siekte wat in die meeste wingerdproduserende gebiede van die wêreld voorkom. Vier Phomopsis spesies is in die verlede met dié siekte geassosieer. Hierdie studie ondersoek die taksonomiese belangrikheid van die verskillende taksa wat op wingerd in Suid Afrika gevind word, asook die endofietiese groei en fungisiedsensitiwiteit van die Phomopsis vitico/a isolate. Hierdie tesis bestaan uit verskeie dele met spesifieke, maar verwante onderwerpe wat tot onafwendbare duplisering lei. Dit is belangrik om die epidemiologie van 'n siekte te verstaan sodat korrekte en tydsberekende siektebeheer toegepas kan word. Die endofietiese groei van P. vitico/a is ondersoek deur simptoomlose lote by agt verskillende groei stadiums te versamel. Nodusse, internodusse, blaarstele, blare, rankies en trosstele is ondersoek. Twee Phomopsis spp., takson 1 en 2 is geïdentifiseer. Die Phomopsis vitico/a-kompleks het 3% van die isolasies uitgemaak en 'n relatiewe belangrikheid van 9% getoon. P. vitico/a (takson 2) is meestal uit die nodus en internodus geïsoleer. lnokulasies van gesonde, jong wingerdweefsel het bevestig dat takson 2 'n virulente patogeen is en dat die takson eerder 'n latente patogeen as 'n endofiet is. In teenstelling hiermee is takson 1 'n ware endofiet en 'n onbelangrike patogeen op wingerd. Die ware identiteit van die veroorsakende organisme van streepvlek is ondersoek deur plantmateriaal vanaf 58 verskillende wingerde in die wingerproduserende gebiede van die Wes-Kaap te versamel. P. vitico/a is in wingerdmateriaal vanaf Lutzville tot Swellendam aangetref, maar nie in die Oudtshoorn en Oranjerivier wingerd produserende gebiede nie. Diaporthe perjuncta (takson 1), P. vitico/a (takson 2), takson 3 en P. amygdali is in die Suid Afrikaanse wingerdisolate geïdentifiseer. P. amygdali word met lootverskroeiing van perske bome in die V.S.A. geassosieer. Die Australiese isolaat wat benoem is as takson 4, is met die huidige ondersoek gevind om 'n spesie van Libertella te wees. Takson 4 is daarvolgens uit die P. vitico/a-kompleks gelaat. 'n Italiaanse isolaat het 'n nuwe spesie van Phomopsis op wingerd verteenwoordig en is vervolgens as takson 5 beskryf. Spesie-onderskeiding is op morfologiese en kulturele eienskappe, staminokulasies en die vorming van die teleomorf in vitro gebaseer. Die identiteit vanelke morfologiese takson is met behulp van filogenetiese analises van die nukleêre ribosomale DNS intern transkriberende spasieerders (ITS 1 en ITS2) en die 5' punt gedeeltelike nukleotied volgorde van die mitochondriale klein subeenheid (mtSSU) bevestig. P. amygdali is slegs een keer geïsoleer en blyk van minder belang in die siektekompleks te wees. Takson 1 (Diaporthe perjuneta) en takson 3 het ook min voorgekom en is nie-patogenies, wat hul nie-funksionele rol in streepvleksiekte aandui. Takson 2 (P. viticola) is algemeen geïsoleer en kom wyd verspreid voor. Hierdie takson is geassosieer met die tipiese siektesimptome en is ook patogenies. Morfologies stem takson 2 met P. viiicola ooreen en is ook geneotipifiseer in hierdie studie. Takson 2 is meestal vanaf die ogies en nodusse geïsoleer, wat daarop dui dat hierdie belangrike setels is waar die swam tydens die winter oorleef. Die molekulêre data toon aan dat takson 3 en P. amygdali nie gasheerspesifiek tot wingerd is nie. Die swamdoders wat tans teen streepvlek gebruik word, is met die nuwe strobilurin swamdoders vergelyk. Die effek van nege swamdoders (azoksistrobin, flusilasool, folpet, fosetyl-Al + mancozeb, kresoxirn-metiel, mankozeb, penconasool, spiroksamien en trifloksistrobin) is in vitro op die inhibisie van miseliumgroei getoets. Die volgende EKso-waardes (g/ml) is verkry: azoxystrobin (0.350), flusilasool (0.007), folpet (4.489), fosetiel-Al + mankozeb (3.925), kresoxirn-metiel (l.665), mankozeb (2.891), penkonasool (0.023), spiroksamien (0.321) en trifloxystrobin (0.051). Azoxystrobin, folpet, kresoxim-rnetiel, mankozeb, propineb en trifloksistrobin is ook in vitro getoets vir hul inhibisie op spoorontkieming. Die volgende EKso-waardes is verkry: azoxystrobin (0.123), folpet (0.510), kresoxim-metiel (0.0037), mankozeb (0.250), propineb (0.156) en trifloxystrobin (0.003). Die resultate vervat in deel 4 toon dat die strobilurin swamdoders die miseliumgroei en spoorontkieming van P. viticola inhibeer. Toetsing in die veld word egter benodig om die effektiwiteit van die middels te bevestig. In hierdie studie is taksa I, 3 en P. amygdali selde geïsoleer, wat aangedui het dat hierdie taksa 'n minder belangrike rol in die P. viticola-kompleks speel.

Current fruit-zone management recommendation in the eastern US aims for 1-2 basal shoot leaf layers after fruit set to limit fungal disease and sunburn incidence, and prevent extreme heating of grapes. The goal of this work was to assess if fruit-zone leaf removal to an uncommonly greater extent, and/or at an earlier phenological stage, would favorably alter yield components or fruit composition in three popularly grown, red-fruited, Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-bloom leaf removal to various extents reduced crop yield by 41-78% when compared to no leaf removal across seasons and varieties. Pre-bloom leaf removal implementation in consecutive seasons tended to further reduce crop yield components compared to implementation in the first year. Pre-bloom leaf removal tended to reduce cluster compactness and bunch rot incidence when compared to post-fruit set and no leaf removal. Basal leaf removal to the greatest extents inconsistently reduced soluble solids and titratable acidity across varieties and seasons. Pre-bloom and post-fruit set leaf removal to the greatest extent consistently increased total grape phenolics and anthocyanins compared to no leaf removal in Cabernet Sauvignon, but inconsistently increased total grape phenolics compared to no leaf removal in Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot. Basal leaf removal to the greatest extents tended to increase the synthesis and degradation of carotenoids more consistently than no leaf removal, and this was particularly true for zeaxanthin. Petit Verdot and Cabernet franc wine color and aroma were inconsistently distinguishable between leaf removal treatments, and color intensity was rated higher in wines made with fruit from pre-bloom leaf removal compared to modest post fruit-set leaf removal plots. Waiting until after fruit set to remove fruit-zone leaves maintained crop yield and offered comparable improvements in fruit composition to pre-bloom leaf removal. Pre-bloom leaf removal of no more than four leaves is recommended to limit crop yield reduction, and modestly improve fruit composition. This work showed that fruit-zone leaf removal does not need to be conservative in the eastern US, particularly because the climate does not appear to be detrimental to fruit composition, and open fruit-zones reduce grape fungal disease incidence.
Ph. D.

The grape industry in Oklahoma was valued at $98 million in 2010. In 2015, symptoms resembling Grapevine Leafroll disease were observed, but Grapevine Leafroll-associated Viruses were not detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A 2-year Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey was initiated to determine the etiology of the red leaf symptoms in Oklahoma vineyards. In 2016, a total of 121 symptomatic grapevines from 13 counties were sampled and 96 symptomatic grapevines from 14 counties were sampled in 2017. Each sample was tested for Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV), Xylella fastidiosa (Pierce’s Disease), and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma spp,’ by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ELISA was used to test for Grapevine Leafroll associated Virus (GLRaV) strains 1,3 and 4 strains. Rotbrenner, caused by Pseudopezicula traceiphila, (2017 only), can be found in xylem from petioles and the xylem was examined morphologically for signs of fungal structures. In 2016, GRBV was detected in 38% of 121 symptomatic samples, GLRaV-1 and -3 were detected in 16%, GLRaV 4 strains were detected in 2%, and X. fastidiosa was detected in 2%. There were no detections of ‘Ca Phytoplasma spp’ in 2016 or 2017. In 2017, GRBV was detected in 34% of the 96 samples, GLRaV-1 and -3 were detected in 17%, GLRaV 4 strains were detected in 3%, and X. fastidiosa was detected in 3%. Rotbrenner was not detected in any of the samples in 2017. The findings of this survey provide information to Oklahoma grape growers and extension personnel about the cause of red leaf diseases affecting grapevines so that appropriate management strategies can be implemented in the near future.

The effect of foliar treatments for prevention of Alternaria leaf spot was evaluated in the field on six varieties of Pima cotton. Disease was significantly reduced by protective sprays of mancozeb and micronized sulfur but not by foliar applications of urea in trials at the University of Arizona Safford Agricultural Center in Safford, AZ. Treatments had no significant effects on yields. Significantly fewer lesions developed on Pima variety UA 4 than on the other varieties. Disease pressure was relatively light, and even though scheduled preventive sprays with mancozeb were effective, fungicide applications probably would not increase yields under the environmental conditions of this experiment.

Mestrado Vinifera EuroMaster - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
Vine performance, fruit and wine composition were investigated on field grown Pinot Noir grapevines subjected to a range of leaf removal and cluster thinning treatments. Both treatments were applied in three levels (25 %, 50 % and 100 % of leaves and clusters retained, respectively) at the phenological stage of pea-size. New emerging leaves were removed as they appeared. Veraison was delayed when leaf area to fruit weight ratio (LA/Y) dropped below a certain threshold (13 cm2 g-1). On the contrary a high LA/Y ratio (> 26 cm2g-1) did not show any difference on fruit colouration. No significant differences in single leaf photosynthetic rate were observed between the treatments, however, there was a trend that vines from the 50 % leaf retained treatment tended to exhibit highest values for stomatal conductance and photosynthesis. Defoliated vines compensated for a restricted leaf area by increasing individual leaf size of the remaining leaves.The results of the present study suggest that fruit is produced at the expense of vegetative growth. High crop levels resulted in a decrease of individual leaf size. Moreover, pruning weight and LA/Y ratio were positively correlated. Sugar accumulation in grape berries were shown to follow a saturation curve. An increase of the source to sink ratio up to a certain point was accompanied by an increase in sugar accumulation. If this threshold was exceeded, additional leaf area did not promote higher sugar accumulation, indicating that the vine might be sink-limited. The most severe defoliation treatment significantly reduced berry size and berry weight. No consistent pattern between titratable acidity, pH and YAN and leaf area to fruit weight ratio could be found. Wine tannin content and wine colour parameters were not affected by the treatments

False codling moth is a known pest of economic importance to many cultivated crops in South Africa and Africa south of the Sahara, and is particularly severe on citrus. If the fruit is infested just before harvest the chances of detecting signs of infestation are very low. As a result, the risk of packaging infested fruit and exporting them as healthy fruit is high. It is therefore a priority to develop a post-harvest technique for detection of False codling moth in citrus fruit at different levels of infestation in order to reduce phytosanitary risk. Compounds released and detected were indicative of infestation and were not insect produced but naturally produced fruit volatiles emitted at higher levels as a result of the insect within the fruit. Five major volatile compounds of interest were released by the infested oranges. These major volatile compounds include D-limonene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, caryophyllene and naphthalene. Limonene was one of the most abundant volatile compounds released by the infested citrus fruit. Naphthalene, which is possibly produced due to larval feeding and development within the fruit maintained higher concentrations than controls throughout the infestation within the fruit. Naphthalene would be a good indicator of False codling moth infestation, however, not primarily for early infestation detection. A significantly higher concentration of D-limonene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene and naphthalene was detected using the SEP over the SPME technique. The application of an SPME procedure and the utilization of this method for detection of volatiles present in the headspace of intact infested fruit are evaluated and the possible volatile compounds diagnostic of Thaumatotibia leucotreta infestation of orange fruit and differences in volatile compound response in different orange varieties is discussed.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Agronomy
Allan K. Fritz
In this research, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from cross between a leaf rust- and stripe rust-susceptible spring wheat ‘Avocet S’ and a slow leaf- and stripe-rusting resistant spring wheat ‘Amadina’ was used to postulate and map leaf rust seedling resistance genes, identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for slow-rusting resistance against leaf and stripe rust, and study slow leaf-rusting components, latent period and infection frequency. Two known Lr genes (Lr23, and Lr26) were identified to be present in ‘Amadina’ through gene postulation, pedigree, cytogenetic, and polymerase chain reaction analyses. One unknown gene associated with seedling resistance was also mapped on chromosome 1BL. In greenhouse experiment, it was estimated that at least five genes conditioning final disease severity (FS) and latent period (LP), and four genes conditioning infection frequency (IF), segregated in the population. Correlations between LP and FS, and LP and IF were moderately negative, and that between IF and FS was moderately positive, indicating inter-dependence of the traits. Two QTL on chromosomes 1BL and 6BL were associated with LP and FS, and three QTL on chromosomes 1BL, 6BL and 2DS were associated with IF. Segregation of the RIL population in field experiment indicated that there were at least four and three adult plant resistance (APR) genes involved in resistance for leaf and stripe rust. Six QTL on chromosomes 3AL, 4AL, 1BL, 5BL, and 7BL were associated with APR for leaf rust, and seven QTL on chromosome 4AL, 5AL, 1BL, 2BL, 4BL, 5BL, 2DL, and 4D were associated with APR for stripe rust. Our results indicated that the major portion of genetic variability for slow-rusting resistance was additive gene action, and, to some extent, epistasis. In this research, we also explored the utility of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) and analytical operations to discriminate leaf rust pustules from other parts of leaf and to accurately determine pustule size in ‘Amadina’ and ‘Avocet S’.

Tan spot and Septoria nodorum blotch cause serious yield losses in winter wheat in North Dakota as the majority of commercially grown cultivars are susceptible. This study aimed to identify lines with improved resistance for use as breeding parents. First, advanced NDSU breeding lines and alternative sources of resistance were inoculated with fungal isolates and tested for necrotrophic effector sensitivity. Second, resistant lines were derived from a highly heterogeneous recurrent mass selection F2 population using single seed descent inbreeding coupled with selection for resistance. Finally, the best performers from both experiments (total of 52 lines) were evaluated to confirm resistance. In addition the 52 lines were analyzed with markers that detect Tsn1 and the 1RS rye translocation. Twenty lines were identified with simultaneous resistance to four or three fungal isolates and insensitivity to three, two, or one necrotrophic effectors (of which 11 can be used directly as new parents).
North Dakota Wheat Commission
Minnesota Wheat Research Promotion Council

Mestrado Vinifera EuroMaster - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
A study to compare the effects of hedging and curling the shoot tips (rolling) on the last wire of the trellising system was carried out in Saint Emilion (France) on Merlot grapevines in 2011. Vines were hedged or curled when shoots were 30 – 40 cm longer than the highest wire. The effects of the two canopy management strategies on vine performance, mainly vegetative growth, disease occurrence, phenology, water status, yield components and berry composition were compared. Curled, not hedged vines presented longer main shoots, more lateral shoots and higher potassium values on the petioles. Hedged plants had a higher percentage of shaded clusters and a higher leaf layer number at the cluster zone and ¾ of the canopy. Regarding leaf area, curled plants presented a bigger main leaf area but for lateral leaf area no differences were found. Although berries on hedged plants were prone to have a higher mass, no differences for berry composition were found. Hedging seems to be an appropriated technique for the Sain Emilion region as it is less time consuming, less expensive, possible to be mechanized and it has no detriment regarding quality of berries

Mestrado Vinifera Euromaster - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL
The trial wants to study the characteristics of c.v. Nero d’Avola in the Eastern part of Sicily after early leaf removal. Axiom to create high quality wine is to have high quality grapes. This can be possible only with right management of vineyard. The objective is to understand how the early leaf removal can change the productive and vegetative balance of vine and micro-climate of the cluster region. Specifically this research wants to highlight the process that some variables can cause during the leaf out process of the cv Nero d’Avola in the area of Hyblaean Mountains (Monti Iblei). This study show like early leaf removal at fruit set stimulates the increase of the length of lateral shoots. The early defoliation influenced the fruit-set processes, in terms of lower berry number and a higher percentage of chicken berries. The sugar content was positively influenced by early defoliation .Probably related to the greater leaf area per gram of grapes at harvest , younger canopy in the last stage of ripening and also for greater exposure of luster to light. The percentage of light interception is higher in the defoliated treatments ,especially, in the south-east side of canopy. About anthocyanin accumulation we can confirm that early defoliation lead to a more rapid build-up, thanks to the exposure to light, which stimulates the metabolites synthesis. Defoliation remains a very effective way to diversify agronomic management and the types of grapes obtainable from a same variety in the same environment. In conclusion we can say ,the defoliation at different times and different intensity, depending on the climate and the environment, can control the yield, especially in high-yielding varieties, and can improve the sugar accumulation, and increase the concentration of polyphenols in the short term. The early defoliation in hot climate is a agronomic practice in developing ,but is important to understand which are the most limits and advantages

The incidence and severity of Alternaria fruit rot on navel oranges has increased in Maricopa County. The objectives of this study were to test the efficacy of two fungicides, Kocide 101 and Rovral, for disease control and to determine an application schedule that will result in optimum control of disease. In 1994, compared to nontreated trees, a significant reduction in the number of dropped oranges occurred on trees sprayed one to five times with Rovral at monthly intervals from April through August. In the same year, monthly applications of Kocide 101 from April through August were no better than leaving trees untreated. In 1995, Rovral treatments from March through August provided no apparent beneficial effects on control of Alternaria fruit rot, while a single application of Kocide 101 in December, January, or February resulted in significantly less dropped oranges compared to nontreated frees. Because of the inconsistent activity of Kocide 101 and Rovral in these two studies, an additional trial is in progress during 1996. The additional data from 1996 may help identify when and what fungicide(s) could provide significant control ofAlternaria fruit rot of navel oranges in Arizona.

Leaf drop of lettuce, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a sporadic, but destructive, disease in Arizona. Field trials were established during 1987 and 1988 to evaluate potential new fungicides for disease control. Ronilan and Rovral, the two materials currently registered for use on lettuce for Sclerotinia leaf drop, were consistently among the most effective fungicides for disease control. Levels of disease control equivalent to that provided by Rovral and Ronilan were observed with CGA-449, SC-0854 SDS-65311, Bay HWG 1608, and Spotless. These field tests have identified several potential new fungicides for control of leaf drop of lettuce caused by S. sclerotionan.

Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions contributing to the majority of Americans experiencing a state of chronic inflammation. Associations between inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased disease risk contribute to detrimental consequences of obesity. Regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress is possible via antioxidants consumed through a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables but consumption among adults is poor. Previous studies have assessed the impact of fruit, vegetable, and antioxidant consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation among healthy individuals. However, no studies have examined effects of education and fruit and vegetable consumption on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and other chronic disease biomarkers in a single study of overweight and obese adults. The purposes of this study were to examine effects of nutrition education and fruit and vegetable consumption on: interest and knowledge related to antioxidants; consumption patterns; weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, blood lipids, and blood glucose; and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fifty-four adults (19 men/35 women; age 44.7?12.1 y; BMI 33.2?7.7 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. The control group received no intervention, the education group attended weekly nutrition lessons, and the fruit and vegetable group attended weekly nutrition lessons and received one serving of fruits and two servings of vegetables per day for 10 weeks. Fruit and vegetable-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed using questionnaires. Fruit, vegetable, and antioxidant consumption was assessed using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires and three-day food records and anthropometric measurements and fasting blood draws were conducted. Results indicated improvements in fruit and vegetable-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and increased consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables following nutrition education. Associations existed between increased fruit and vegetable consumption and improvements in LDL cholesterol. However, minimal associations between changes in consumption of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were indicated. In order to be effective, nutrition intervention programs need to thoroughly address participants' fruit and vegetable-related knowledge and attitudes, provide exposure to fruits and vegetables, and promote adequate consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables while concurrently emphasizing management of overall energy intake.