Penetration by Botryosphaeriaceae species in avocado, guava and persimmon fruit during postharvest

Abstract Botryosphaeriaceae species have a wide host range and worldwide distribution. These fungal can colonize several plant organs, such as the trunk, leaves fruit. Some cause important diseases on persimmon, avocado guava However, there is lack of information regarding mechanisms penetration by these tropical subtropical fruits. This study aimed to better understand involved in penetration, specificity aggressiveness Botryosphaeria dothidea, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae Neofusicoccum parvum ( Persea americana ), Psidium guajava ) persimmon Diospyros kaki Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis showed that fruit, three studied penetrated through lenticels. In stomata was verified for dothidea . an appressoria‐like structure observed B , which suggests direct penetration. Disease incidence wounded fruit 24% higher than non‐wounded L N differences The longest incubation period inoculated guava, with average 4.5 days, shortest avocado, 2.8 days. area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) did not differ between whereas AUDPC lower B. improve postharvest control strategies.