| Abstract: | Canker and tip-dieback diseases have been found in field and greenhouse plantings ofProsopisbeing examined in agroforestry trials in South Texas. Several fungal species were associated with the field cankers, most notably aLasiodiplodiaand aPestalotiopsis. In the greenhouse, a tip-dieback as well as a canker disease that began at pruning cuts on the stock plants was seen.Pestalotiopsiswas most commonly isolated from these plants. Isolated cultures of theLasiodiplodiaand thePestalotiopsistogether with several other often associated fungi, (includingAlternariaFusarium) were tested for pathogenicity on young mesquite plants. OnlyLasiodiplodiaandPestalotiopsisproduced cankers under the conditions tested when spores were applied using wound inoculation techniques.Pestalotiopsisrequired high wound inoculation techniques.Pestalotiopsisrequired high humidity and proved much less damaging compared toLasiodiplodia, which closely mimicked the field symptoms. Benlate was found to give the greatest growth inhibition of these fungal pathogens inin vitrofungicide tests. |
