Efeito de alta temperatura no desenvolvimento de Hemileia vastatrix em cafeeiro suscetível

Abstract

Foi estudado o efeito de temperaturas elevadas no desenvolvimento da ferrugem do cafeeiro, verificando-se que a exposição de plantas a temperatura próxima de 40°C por quatro horas durante quatro dias foi suficiente para impedir a evolução da moléstia. Períodos menores foram ineficientes para afetar o desenvolvimento do fungo

The development of rust epidemics in tropical conditions of Brazil has been different than previously expected. Despite of high humidity the development is reduced to a minimum during the summer. High temperature was assumed to have a detrimental effect on the rust development. This paper reports the results of a study concerning the effect of high temperature on Hemileia vastatrbc development. Temperature treatment of inoculated young plants at 40°C for 4 hours in 4 conse- cutive days was sufficient to prevent rust development. The curative effect was permanent indicating that the fungus was destroyed inside the plant tissue. Practical implications of such results are considered.