Interference of late rust associated with water deficit in the primary metabolism of raspberries

Abiotic stress is increasingly common in agricultural areas due to climate change. The main leaf disease of raspberry plants (Rubus ideaus) in Brazil is late leaf rust (Thekopsora americana). The association between abiotic and biotic stress can lead to different plant responses relative to that observed with only one type of stress. To determine the interference of abiotic stress caused by water limitation on the intensity of late leaf rust in raspberries, the epidemiological disease parameters, gas exchange and plant growth of inoculated and noninoculated plants under controlled water management were evaluated. Plants under water deficit showed reduced growth in the aerial part, a lower intensity of late leaf rust and a reduction of related gas exchange parameters. Plants without water stress showed a reduced photosynthetic rate related to increased disease severity. Synergism was not observed between biotic and abiotic stresses for late leaf rust in raspberries.

Automated summary

Water limitation-induced abiotic stress can reduce the growth of raspberry plants and intensity of late leaf rust. There was no observed synergism between biotic and abiotic stresses for late leaf rust in raspberries.