Investigation of the efficacy of commercial plant nutrition products against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Penz.) Crous & Slippers in vitro

However, the adverse effects of the pathogen Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Penz.) Crous & Slippers on apricot cultivation pose a serious problem. This study aimed to evaluate 25 different commercial plant nutrition products that may be effective against the weakness and injury pathogen N. dimidiatum, for which there is no licensed chemical control. The effects of different doses (100, 200, 300 µl/100 ml) of these products (Alpha B, Altis, Aminos, Axis, Bioxzin Extra, Calbit-C, Elite, Geno Master, Gen-Tech Plus, Gro Essential Plus, GZ, İsabion, Leopower, Leos, Magical, Maxifruit, Olitra Cu, Rame, Rebecca Extra, Seanos, Star Hümik, Starter, Sulfator, Vital) on fungal characteristics such as mycelial area, conidia density, mycelial length, conidia length and width, and conidia germination (at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours) were investigated in vitro. According to the results of the study, "Rame" significantly reduced all fungal characteristics at all doses, proving to be effective against N. dimidiatum. "Olitra Cu" also significantly reduced the mycelial area, conidia density, mycelial length, conidia length and width, and conidia germination. Other plant nutrition products showed varying effects, either reducing or enhancing different biological characteristics. These findings indicate that particularly "Rame" and "Olitra Cu" have significant potential in controlling N. dimidiatum and offer an important potential for integrated pest management in apricot cultivation. The research underscores that developing sustainable solutions in apricot production and increasing efficiency in disease management is a crucial step forward.