Author(s): ALVES, S. A. M.; BERESFORD, R. M.

Summary: Ascospores of Venturia inaequalis constitute the principal source of primary inoculum for epidemics of apple black spot (scab). Mathematical models that describe ascospore release have been developed in USA, New Zealand and Italy. These models are based upon degree-day accumulation. In this work, the seasonal pattern of released ascospores of V. inaequalis in Vacaria, Brazil, was evaluated. During four apple growth seasons (2009 to 2012) the natural release of ascospores from ive orchards was recorded. The cumulative percentage of ascospore release was predicted using three different degreeday models. The released ascospore data showed the best it to the model developed in Italy, with a start date of 22 August rather than the phenological stage of apple bud break. It is concluded that in regions with warm winter temperatures, models that use bud break to initiate ascospore maturation will tend to underestimate availability of ascospores at the beginning of the apple growth season.

Publication year: 2013

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Grape & Wine

Keywords: Ascosporo, Epidemiologia, Malus Domestica, Maçã, Venturia Inaequalis