Temporal progress of candeia rust caused by Puccinia velata in clonal candeia plantation (Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) McLeisch)

Abstract

The temporal progress of candeia rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia velata, was monitored in an experimental field at Lavras municipality, Southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. A plantation with 17 Eremanthus erythropappus clones was set at the site, and the temporal disease progress was analyzed based on visual assessments of disease severity on leaves. The disease was monitored monthly between September 2016 and August 2017. Progress curves based on disease severity were constructed and empirical models were fitted. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated, and the means test was applied to select clones resistant to the disease. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess correlations between disease severity and environmental variables. The model that best described disease progress over the assessment period was the Gompertz model. The mean AUDPC values were grouped into four groups of resistance levels according to the Scott-Knott test. There was a negative correlation between air temperature and disease severity. Considering that the disease occurred in all clones and that the climatic conditions of Southern Minas Gerais are favorable to the candeia rust, it is important to adopt measures for the selection of clones resistant to this disease.