African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5238

Full Length Research Paper

Potassium phosphite reduction of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. population on leaves of 'Ponkan' tangerines tree with huanglongbing

Rener Luciano de Souza Ferraz
  • Rener Luciano de Souza Ferraz
  • Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil.
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Marcelo de Andrade Barbosa
  • Marcelo de Andrade Barbosa
  • Department of Soils and Fertilizers, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Maria Jose Araujo Wanderley
  • Maria Jose Araujo Wanderley
  • Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Paraiba, Paraíba, Brazil.
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Patrícia da Silva Costa
  • Patrícia da Silva Costa
  • Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
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Ivomberg Dourado Magalhaes
  • Ivomberg Dourado Magalhaes
  • Department of Plant Production, Federal University of Alagoas, CEP: 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
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Aldair de Souza Medeiros
  • Aldair de Souza Medeiros
  • Department of Plant Production, Federal University of Alagoas, CEP: 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
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Hugo Miranda Faria
  • Hugo Miranda Faria
  • Department of Soils and Fertilizers, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Vinicius Marchioro
  • Vinicius Marchioro
  • Department of Soils and Fertilizers, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Alberto Soares de Melo
  • Alberto Soares de Melo
  • Department of Agrarian Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Paraiba, Brazil.
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Franklin Alves dos Anjos
  • Franklin Alves dos Anjos
  • Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Alagoas, Brazil.
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  •  Received: 15 January 2018
  •  Accepted: 16 February 2018
  •  Published: 14 March 2018

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the population variation dynamics of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. under phosphite applications. The 'Ponkan' tangerines (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Ponkan) with symptoms and a high degree of huanglongbing (HLB) severity were used for the test. 'Ponkan' tangerine plants were treated with potassium phosphite leaf applications at a dose of 2.5 L ha-1. Applications frequency was intervals of 25 days with a total of two applications. There was variation in bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter spp. population, depending on the application of phosphite. Phosphites have an indirect action on pathogens control, stimulating the formation of phytoalexins, a natural self-defense substance of plants. Indirect effects of these products were reported in citrus seedlings presenting symptoms of phosphorus deficiency, which when treated with foliar applications of potassium phosphite overcame these symptoms, restoring plant growth. Candidatus Liberibacter spp. population in 'Ponkan' (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Ponkan) leaves was reduced and the phosphorus and potassium contents increased with 2.5 L ha-1 of potassium phosphite by means of leaf application.

Key words: Citrus reticulata, leaf nutrition, huanglongbing, phosphorus, potassium.