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Crops > Vegetables > Sechium edule > Disease of Sechium edule, South America

Crops Vegetables Sechium eduleDisease of Sechium edule, South America

Disease of Sechium edule, South America

January 2009. A message from South America, without the country specified. It was said that in the coastal region of northern South America, there is a problem on the leaves of Christophin (Sechium edule). The problem began 3 years ago. Plants defoliate and this continues even though they are sprayed and the fruits are colelcted each week. Several farmers have abandonned the crop. So far, infections from Rhizoctonia, Cercospora and Peronospora have been found on the leaves.

The author asked if management would be improved if the crop was replanted every 6 or 12 months with clean seeds, organic (unspecified) spray were used, and soil amendments made.

In reply, it was stated that iin Costa Rica, Central America, there is a virus disease of Sechium reported. It was suggested that the author check whether the same condition was affecting Sechium elsewhere in teh continent. See HORD M, VILLALOBOS W, MACAYA-LIZANO AV, RIVERA C (1997) Chayote mosaic, a new disease in Sechium edule caused by a tymovirus (1997). Plant Disease 81: 374-378.