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First Report of Phytophthora mengei Causing Root Rot and Canker in Avocado (Persea americana) in Michoacán, Mexico

Alejandra Mondragón-Flores1, Alejandro Soto-Plancarte2, Gerardo Rodríguez-Alvarado2

  • 1Campo Experimental Uruapan, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Av. Latinoamericana No. 1101, Revolución, Uruapan 60150, Michoacán, Mexico.

Microorganisms
|July 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Phytophthora mengei is newly identified as a cause of avocado root rot and trunk canker in Mexico. This emerging pathogen poses challenges for disease management and chemical control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Pathology
  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Avocado production in Mexico faces threats from diseases, particularly root rot caused by Phytophthora species.
  • Phytophthora cinnamomi is the most frequently identified pathogen globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel Phytophthora species causing avocado diseases in Michoacán, Mexico.
  • To assess the pathogenicity and chemical control sensitivity of the identified pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological and molecular characterization (ITS and COI sequencing) of four Phytophthora isolates.
  • Pathogenicity tests on avocado roots, stems, and fruits.
  • Sensitivity assays for potassium phosphite and metalaxyl-M.

Main Results:

  • Phytophthora mengei was identified as a causal agent of avocado root rot and trunk canker.
  • The pathogen demonstrated infectivity across various avocado plant parts.
  • Limited sensitivity to potassium phosphite and metalaxyl-M was observed, indicating potential control challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Phytophthora mengei is an emerging pathogen in Mexican avocado orchards, necessitating updated integrated crop management strategies.
  • This study represents the first report of P. mengei causing these specific diseases in avocado in Michoacán.
  • The findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptive disease management approaches.
Keywords:
avocado diseasesoomycetepathogenicity

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