In vitro evaluation of fungicides efficacy against Neofusicoccum spp. that cause dieback of blueberries

Abstract

Several species of the Botryosphaeriaceae have been reported to cause stem canker, twig blight and dieback of blueberries, with different species being reported in different parts of the world. Pruning wounds are regarded as primary infection sites for these pathogens. This research evaluated nine fungicides for their ability to reduce mycelial growth, conidial germination and germ tube elongation of four common and pathogenic species, Neofusicoccum ribis, N. luteum, N. parvum and N australe, which were recovered from New Zealand blueberry plants.