Management of citrus diseases caused by Phytophthora spp

The complex of citrus diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. is reviewed, with reference to the damages caused by Phytophtora root rot, gummosis and brown rot of fruits. Some aspects of the biology and ecology of P. citrophthora and P. nicotianae are revised, like the inoculum dissemination, the fungus reproduction and epidemiology. The symptomatic diagnosis of main diseases like foot rot or gummosis, fibrous root rot, brown fruit rot and dieback of twigs and leaves, are reviewed. Biological and instrumental diagnosis as well as routine laboratory tests are revised, for inoculum monitoring, sampling and population dynamics procedures. Disease management methods based on interventions on the host-plant, rootstock resistance, grafting, as well as nurseries sanitary practices are illustrated, together withpruning, surgery, and cultural practices like soil preparation, fertilization, irrigation and soil management, and weeds control. Chemical control methods are also reviewed, with reference to the use of systemic fungicides for control of trunk gummosis, root rot and brown rot of fruits.