Latent and Saprophytic Fungal Infections of Grapefruit in South Texas

Abstract

Colletotrichum sp. and Alternaria sp. were the most common fungi isolated and identified from apparently healthy leaves from grapefruit trees in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. These fungi were also the most abundant fungi isolated from incubated detached leaves. Colletotrichum sp. was commonly isolated from healthy twigs while Diplodia sp. and Phomopsis sp, were the most abundant colonizers of dead twigs. Decayed leaves from the orchard floor yielded Phyllostictina sp., the first time this fungus has been documented from Texas citrus. Few fungi were isolated from asymptomatic fruit.