Determination of fungal diseases in avocado production areas in eastern Antalya

This study aimed to determine fungal diseases in Eastern Antalya (Alanya, Gazipaşa, Manavgat), where avocado cultivation is rapidly increasing. Avocado (Persea americana) is a subtropical fruit belonging to the Lauraceae family, whose homeland is Central Mexico. It is grown in regions with tropical climates as well as in various regions with Mediterranean climates. The countries with the highest avocado production in the world are Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Indonesia, respectively. The first avocado production trials in Turkey started in 1970 with the adaptation studies of 4 important cultivars (Hass, Fuerte, Bacon, Zutano) brought to our country from California to Antalya, Mersin, Muğla, Hatay and Adana. The varieties produced in Antalya, which ranks first in avocado cultivation in Turkey, are Fuerte and Hass. As of 2023, 38462 tons of avocado has been produced in an area of 47205 da in Turkey. Major economic losses due to important fungal diseases and abiotic factors limiting avocado production worldwide are noteworthy. In the study, diseased plant samples were collected from surveyed areas in Eastern Antalya; classical mycological isolations were made from fruit, leaf, shoot and root regions and fungal diseases were determined at the genus or specie level with classical diagnostic methods. As a result of the study, the most commonly isolated fungal disease agent was determined as Fusarium spp. (F. oxysporum, Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium poae). Other fungi and fungus-like genera or species isolated were recorded as Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria sp.,Pestalotiopsis sp.,Verticillium sp., Phytophthora sp., Pythium hordeum, Cylindrocarpon sp., Aspergillusspp. Considering the favorable climate of our country and the increase in cultivation especially on the Mediterranean coasts, it will be important to determine fungal diseases and take measures to prevent the spread of diseases for high-yield avocado production.