| Popis: |
Phomopsis blight caused by Diaporthe vexans is a serious disease on fall eggplant crops in the southeastern United States. The objective was to compare seven eggplant cultivars, representing seven horticultural fruit types, for susceptibility to D. vexans. Eggplant transplanted in April 2018 and 2019 was cut back in late summer and harvested in September and October. Leaf area under the disease progress curve and percentage defoliation were greater on Black Beauty (globe type) than Patio Baby (Indian), Millionaire (Japanese), Rosa Bianca (Italian), and Gretel (white). Cankered stem length was greater on Black Beauty and Fairy Tale than on Gretel. Hansel (Chinese) and Gretel produced the most healthy, unblemished marketable fruit; Patio Baby, Millionaire, and Fairy Tale had a moderate number; and Black Beauty and Rosa Bianca produced the fewest fruit. Percentage fruit rot both years was greater (P ≤ 0.01) on Black Beauty than Hansel, Gretel, Patio Baby, and Rosa Bianca. Several eggplant cultivars, such as Hansel and Gretel, are less susceptible to Phomopsis fruit rot than Black Beauty and produce more marketable fruit than several other specialty eggplant cultivars. |
