Heliconia: diseases and integrated management

Abstract

Heliconia cultivation faces challenges due to diseases that lead to depreciation in flower quality, decrease in yield, and increase in management costs. Quality standards require heliconias to be visually attractive and healthy. The primary causes of these diseases include fungi, nematodes, bacteria, and viruses. Fungal diseases are the most prevalent, causing damage to leaves, bracts, and rhizomes. Nematode-induced diseases affect both underground and above-ground plant organs. Among bacterial diseases, wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most damaging to the crop, while viral diseases are relatively rare. Integrated disease management is the best strategy to control diseases in heliconias. This strategy combines preventive, curative, and eradication measures. This study describes the main diseases affecting heliconias, highlighting their primary occurrence sites, host range, as well as the description of disease symptoms and pathogens. Additionally, information on the cycle, epidemiology, and management of the major diseases is provided. The aim is to contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of heliconia cultivation.