DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF BITTER ROT DISEASE (CAUSED BY COLLETOTRICHUM SPP.) OF APPLES

The overall goal of this research is to develop effective management of bitter rot of apple. The specific objectives of the proposal are:Objective 1: To conduct orchard surveys to assess incidence of bitter rot in Illinois.Objective 2: To determine susceptible apple varieties in Illinois.Objective 3: To identify pathogen species causing bitter rot in different areas in Illinois and determine genetic and pathogenic variation among and within the species.Objective 4: To evaluate efficacy of the potential fungicides for managing bitter rot and other summer diseases of apples.