São Paulo Congress discusses technological innovations in phytopathology

The 41st São Paulo Phytopathology Congress, from February 20 to 22, 2018, organized by the São Paulo Phytopathology Association and Fatec Shunji Nishimura of Pompéia, SP, has as its central theme “technological innovations in phytopathology”. The objective is to bring together, in addition to phytopathologists, rural extension technicians, undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as companies from various segments of the production chain, linked to the area of ​​plant diseases.

Miguel Angel Dita Rodriguez, researcher at Embrapa Cassava and Fruticulture (Cruz das Almas, BA), based at Embrapa Meio Ambiente (Jaguariúna, SP) will give the lecture “Wilting due to Fusarium in banana and passion fruit: epidemiology and management options”, on 21 of February.

Banana and passion fruit are fruits of great socioeconomic importance for Brazil. In addition to Brazilian preference, these fruits share two fundamental aspects: low productivity in relation to their productive potential (average of 14t/ha) and the occurrence of Fusarium wilt.

“Caused by specialized forms of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum (cubense, in the case of banana and passiflorae, in the case of passion fruit), explains the researcher, managing these diseases is not always an easy task. These are fungi that survive in the soil for decades and once the area is affected, production becomes unfeasible,” he emphasizes.

The best management option is the use of resistant varieties, but they are not always available and when available they may not meet consumer preferences. An important aspect to be successful in managing these diseases is knowing their epidemiology and predisposing factors that can make epidemics more or less severe. These factors, which may vary depending on the location and production practices, must be well studied to support management strategies.

Also according to Miguel, “Embrapa has been working on these diseases with an integrated management approach with very promising results, which includes everything from exclusion measures (preventing the entry of the pathogen), use of resistant varieties to practices aimed at soil health. ”.

Miguel hopes to share with the public the current state of these diseases in Brazil and contribute to reducing production losses caused by them in a sustainable way.

The event will feature conferences, field workshops, technical visits to Fatec facilities, debates, competitions, among other activities. Halo leaf spot on coffee plants: diagnosis and management, Fusarium wilt on banana and passion fruit: epidemiology and management options and “the use of drones in the assessment of stress in forest species are the themes of some lectures. Interested parties can register via www.cpfito.net.br/