Sclerotinia complex species and their importance as causal agents of tropical crops

Abstract

Sclerotinia have 250 especies in tropical and subtropical crops. S. sclerotiorum, S. minor y S. trifoliorum are the main species althoug other have been reported. Rots in stem, crown, rhizome, flower, fruit greening, pods, fruits; blights in buds and flower, foliar spots and wilt) are the major symptoms and presence of white mould with presence of black sclerotia are the main signs caused in tropical crops like: pea, alfalfa, cotton, almonds, onion, chinesse cabbage, black berry, strawberry, bean, sunflower, ginger, lentil, peanut, peach, water melon, pear, soybean, tomato, grape and carrot. The knowledge and the possibilities of precise diagnosis of the different species of Sclerotinia constitutes a main element to establish efficient management measures in tropical crops of economic interest.

Keywords

• ascomycetes
• sclerotineaceae
• soilborne pathogens
• stem rot
• white rot