ABSTRACT
In 2004, symptoms of root rot disease were observed in erva-mate plantings in high areas of Region Taquari Valley, RS. With the help of EMATER, the municipal districts presenting plantings with symptoms were surveyed. In 10% of the affected plantings, root samples were collected and sent for analysis at the Plant Disease Laboratory at the Department of Plant Protection/CCR/UFSM. Five different species of at fungus Fusarium associated with the disease were isolated and identified: Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium decemcellulare, Fusarium tabacinum and Fusarium tricinctum. All species were pathogenic when inoculated in erva-mate plants (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.). At the moment of sampling, information about the management of the erva-mate plantings was obtained and the similarity between the symptoms presented in erva-mate and in agronomic crops discussed, as well as hypotheses on the origin of the inoculum of Fusarium spp. that infected the erva-mate plantings.
Keywords:
Fusarium spp.; phytopathology; Ilex paraguariensis; pathogenicity.