Carpel rot on apple in Santa Catarina State

Abstract

Apples with decay symptons were collected from packing house in the Experimental Station of São Joaquim. It was observed that all fruits which had a channel of communication between the calyx and the carpels presented rot carpels. The channel diameter varied from 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm. The cultivars with greater incidence were: 'Starkrimson', 'Royal Red Delicious' and 'Gala', while those with minor incidence were: 'Mutsu' and 'Golden Delicious’. The following fungus from the apple seeds (M domestica Bork) taken from carpels were isolated and identified: Fusarium roseum and Alternaria sp.. Fusarium roseum occurred in 100% of the seeds with husk and 13% of them without husk. Alternaria sp. was found in 90% of the seeds with husk. Both fungus caused apple rot when inoculated by injuries.