Identity and relative importance of phytopathogens of the post- emergent stunt disease complex in state forest nurseries in Honduras

Abstract

The relative importance of phytopathogen genera causing post-emergent stunt disease complex in forest nurseries was identified and estimated. Live symptomatic seedlings of priority forest species [Pino ocote (Pinus oocarpa), Atlantic mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua); Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Pacific mahogany (Swietenia humilis) and Teak (Tectona grandis)], and non-priority [Pinabete (P. maximinoi), Granadillo rojo (Dalbergia glomerata), Laurel blanco (Cordia alliodora), Gravillea (Grevillea robusta), Caña fistula (Cassia fistula), Paterna (Inga paterno), Casco de vaca (Bauhinia monandra), Macuelizo (Tabebuia rosea) and San Juan (Cybistax donnell smithii)], and soil was analyzed for phytonematodes. Fusarium was the most commonly detected and important phytopathogen of the complex, occurring in 52.2, 36.0 and 39.0 % of conifer, broadleaf and consolidated samples, respectively. Pythium and Phytophthora occurred occasionally; Rhizoctonia and live phytonematodes were not detected. Other microorganisms were detected with variable low frequency.