Biocontrol Science and Technology (2006) 16, 619-630

M.A.B. Morandi, L.A. Maffia, E.S.G. Mizubuti, A.C. Alfenas, J.G. Barbosa and C.D. Cruz (2006)
Relationships of microclimatic variables to colonization of rose debris by Botrytis cinerea and the biocontrol agent Clonostachys rosea
Biocontrol Science and Technology 16 (6), 619-630
Abstract: Biological control of Botrytis cinerea by Clonostachys rosea is an alternative to chemical control of rose Botrytis blight in greenhouses. Environmental conditions affect the colonization of senescing and dead tissues by both fungi. The contribution of microclimatic variables to debris colonization/sporulation by both fungi was estimated by path coefficient analysis. We monitored daily values of: maximum, average, and minimum temperatures (Tmax, Tave, and Tmin), and relative humidity (RH_max, RH_ave, and RH_min); accumulated rainfall; vapour pressure deficit average; hours with RH > 90% (RH₉₀); and average temperature during RH₉₀ (Tave90). Association of variables accumulated between the first and seventh day before sampling explained colonization/sporulation variation: R2=0.81-0.86 for B. cinerea and 0.91-0.96 for C. rosea. RH_max and RH₉₀ were the main factors that directly favoured colonization/sporulation of both fungi. Colonization/sporulation negatively correlated with RH_min, Tmin, and Tave for B. cinerea and Tmin, Tave, and Tave90 for C. rosea. The antagonist can suppress B. cinerea colonization/sporulation on rose debris under a wide range of environmental conditions.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Marcelo A.B. Morandi, Eduardo S.G. Mizubuti, Acelino C. Alfenas, Luiz A. Maffia

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
population dynamics/epizootiology
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Botrytis cinerea	Rosa (crop)
Clonostachys rosea (antagonist)	Botrytis cinerea	Rosa (crop)