Current Research on Andean Fruit Crop Diseases

Several fruit crops that are native to the Andes hold significant potential for growing their market share. International demand for these commodities is often unmet as phytosanitary issues hinder their production and exportation. In this chapter we describe the main diseases affecting the most relevant Andean fruits grown in Ecuador, including tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), babaco (Vasconcellea × heilbornii), blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.), and cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), and examine current research aiming to improve integrated management of such diseases. Even though symptoms associated with viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases are common in most Andean fruit crops in Ecuador, their etiology is often unknown. In recent years, several causal agents of prevalent Andean fruit diseases have been described and characterized, but some remain elusive, constituting a threat for productivity. Black foot of blackberry caused by Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria species, and babaco mosaic virus infection are examples of plant diseases that have only been described in Ecuador. Although research on Andean fruit diseases is still lacking, tools for adequate treatment, timely diagnosis, and propagation of healthy plant material are now available or under development. Such efforts will likely result in increased fruit production and a better phytosanitary landscape that will aid in opening new markets for Andean fruit exportation.