Pathogen dispersal and Glomerella leaf spot progress within apple canopy in Brazil

Abstract

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) of apple is caused by three different Colletotrichum species complexes. This study evaluated the dispersal of Colletotrichum spores related to GLS temporal progress and defoliation. Spores were monitored by air and water runoff in different plant heights, and the temporal progress of GLS and defoliation were assessed. Spores of the pathogen were first cached in the lower part of the tree closer to the ground, confirming the importance of dead leaves on the ground as main source of primary inoculum. In plots with high primary inoculum, the disease increases exponentially during favorable weather conditions. The highest initial inoculum was found in the lower part of the tree, but the highest rate of the disease progress in the upper.