Controlling Diplodia Stem-End Rot Before Harvest

Abstract

The decay of fresh citrus fruit in Florida is usually caused by fungal pathogens that grow and develop in the hot and wet conditions typical to the state. While green and sometimes blue Penicillium molds and sour rot can cause Florida fruit to decay, the subtropical conditions of Florida favor diplodia (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) stem-end rot (SER), phomopsis SER (Diaporthe citri), anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and, less frequently, brown rot (primarily Phytophthora palmivora and P. nicotianae).

Keywords

• Diseases