Susceptibility of Fuerte avocado fruit at various stages of growth, to infection by anthracnose and stem end rot fungi

Abstract

In a series of field experiments, Fuerte avocado fruit (Persea americana) were susceptible to infection by Glomerella cingulata var. minor (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides var, minor) and Dothiorella aromatics, from set until harvest. Natural infection was detected from December to May and field inoculations demonstrated that small fruit in October were also susceptible. The time of infection varied with the season and was related to rainfall incidence. The significance of this finding is discussed.