Evaluation of resistance in Eucalyptus grandis progenies against leaf spot of Cylindrocladium and Kirramyces

ABSTRACT During cultivation of eucalyptus, there are several diseases, which can limit its productivity, such as leaf spots caused by Cylindrocladium spp. and Kirramyces epicoccoides. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of Eucalyptus grandis progenies to these diseases. A progeny test with 176 progenies and three commercial controls for comparison was installed in two locations: Anhembi and Itatinga, São Paulo State, Brazil. Leaf spot incidence and severity were evaluated when plants were 12 and 24 months old (Anhembi) and 15 and 27 months old (Itatinga). Severity was evaluated based on a scale varying from one (healthy) to five (up to 2/3 canopy defoliation). The incidence and mean severity obtained by progenies were compared to those of controls (commercial varieties) and between locations. Spatialization of the disease was also performed in the test areas. Some progenies had mean severity lower than that of commercial controls, indicating potential for use in breeding programs for resistance to leaf spot. There is variation among the progenies in relation to resistance to leaf spot and consequently possibility of gaining with the selection among the best progenies.