Apples and pears (pome fruit) are important deciduous fruit species cultivated on a worldwide scale. Mild and humid climatic conditions, favor fungal diseases on pome fruit, such as apple scab (Venturia inequalis), brown spot of pear (Stemphylium vesicarium), European fruit tree canker (Neonectria ditissima), and pre- and postharvest fruit rots. Research efforts in plant disease epidemiology are highly important, particularly, considering the constant challenges posed by plant pathogens with recent host range and/or geographical range expansions, the numerous, recurring outbreaks from endemic pathogens, as well as changes in modern cropping practices conducive to disease emergence.
Pome fruit diseases are complex problems that require multiple interventions at different stages of the disease process, and a systems intervention approach is often needed for their control. Such an approach requires a deep understanding of the epidemiology of the causal agents in the orchard, tree, and fruit defense mechanisms, and the molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions in order to develop novel disease management practices. The use of physical treatments, natural compounds, and biocontrol agents may serve as alternative measures to fungicide treatments.
This Research Topic will focus on “Epidemiology and management of pome fruit diseases”. We welcome especially Original Research articles and Reviews, on subtopics such as, but not limited to:
• Pathogen biology and epidemiology;
• Monitoring and forecasting infection risks;
• Disease assessment and quantification;
• The influence of biotic and abiotic factors on disease spread;
• Pathogen population biology;
• Dynamics of plant disease epidemics;
• Pathogen dispersal and disease spread;
• Host resistance for disease management;
• Evaluation of control measures including cultural, chemical, and biological methods.
Apples and pears (pome fruit) are important deciduous fruit species cultivated on a worldwide scale. Mild and humid climatic conditions, favor fungal diseases on pome fruit, such as apple scab (Venturia inequalis), brown spot of pear (Stemphylium vesicarium), European fruit tree canker (Neonectria ditissima), and pre- and postharvest fruit rots. Research efforts in plant disease epidemiology are highly important, particularly, considering the constant challenges posed by plant pathogens with recent host range and/or geographical range expansions, the numerous, recurring outbreaks from endemic pathogens, as well as changes in modern cropping practices conducive to disease emergence.
Pome fruit diseases are complex problems that require multiple interventions at different stages of the disease process, and a systems intervention approach is often needed for their control. Such an approach requires a deep understanding of the epidemiology of the causal agents in the orchard, tree, and fruit defense mechanisms, and the molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions in order to develop novel disease management practices. The use of physical treatments, natural compounds, and biocontrol agents may serve as alternative measures to fungicide treatments.
This Research Topic will focus on “Epidemiology and management of pome fruit diseases”. We welcome especially Original Research articles and Reviews, on subtopics such as, but not limited to:
• Pathogen biology and epidemiology;
• Monitoring and forecasting infection risks;
• Disease assessment and quantification;
• The influence of biotic and abiotic factors on disease spread;
• Pathogen population biology;
• Dynamics of plant disease epidemics;
• Pathogen dispersal and disease spread;
• Host resistance for disease management;
• Evaluation of control measures including cultural, chemical, and biological methods.
