Proteção integrada das doenças da amendoeira. Epidemiologia, amostragem e orientações de controlo para as doenças das flores, folhas e ramos do ano

Almond tree diseases have been poorly researched in Portugal and there is no experimental data that prioritizes sanitary situations. The renewed interest for almond cultivation and introduction of new varieties with greater cultural intensification requires an in-depth knowledge of the pathogens that reduce production, the longevity of the trees and the profitability of the crop. Our studies are focused on orchards of recently planted almonds trees of Spanish varieties located in the north region of Portugal (Alfândega da Fé and Vila Nova de Foz Côa). Initially, the work was focused on the study of cortical cankers associated with Diaphorthe amygdali, an important disease in some of the new varieties. Field observations revealed the presence of a wide range of sanitary situations ranging from grafting incompatibility to epidemics of Monilinia laxa and Polystigma amygdalinum, major diseases of flowers and leaves. Dormant spurs and first year twigs with symptoms of dead buds and cankers were sampled in each studied orchards and the isolation and purification of pathogens was performed. The identification of pathogens by molecular methods showed the prevalence of Monilinia laxa with minor laboratorial detection of Diaphorthe amygdali. Monilinia laxa is associated with extensive rotting of the flowers, which is particularly important when blooming occurs in wet weather. Treatments with fungicides and no pesticides alternatives, treatment thresholds and fungicides efficacy need to be studied to find guidelines for disease management and avoid losses in almond production.PDR2020-101-030943 - “BioChestnut- IPM - Implementar estratégias de luta eficazes contra doenças do castanheiro e amendoeira”