First report of Fusarium solani fruit rot of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) in Trinidad.

摘要

Trinidad is a major exporter of pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) to other Carribean countries, Canada and the United States. Producers and exporters have reported 50-80% yield losses because of soft rot and overnight collapse of fruit ar the pre- and postharvest stages. Severe fruit rot occurred in fields in Victoria County in South Trinidad between April and May 2006 (mid-to-late dry season) with an increase in the severity and number of affected fruit in the rainy season (July-December). Symptoms began as water-soaked lesions on the fruit of any age at the point of contract with the soil. The disease progressed to a soft rot with leakage and whole fruit collapse. A dark brown, soft decay also developed at the base of the main vines. The pathogen was identified as Fusarium solani by morphological observations and pathogenicity tests. This is thought to be the first report of Fusarium fruit rot of pumpkin in Trinidad.