Incidencia y severidad de roya causada por Cerotelium fici en higo (Ficus carica) en Morelos, México.

The production of fig (Ficus carica L.) in Mexico has become very important in recent years, due to the growing demand in the international market. The state of Morelos stands out as the main fig producer nationwide. The municipalities of Villa de Ayala, Tepalcingo and Axochiapan concentrate the highest productivity, however, serious affectations by some diseases such as rust caused by Cerotelium fici (Butler) Arthur have caused losses in crop yield. The objective of the work was to determine the incidence and severity of this disease, in two periods during the crop cycle. Representative samples with symptoms were taken in commercial plots of three municipalities in the state of Morelos. The incidence of the fungus and its severity were evaluated using a visual estimation scale, during February-March and August-October 2019. Six evaluations were made with weekly frequency during the cycle. The fungus was morphologically identified using taxonomic keys. The presence of C. fici uredospores was confirmed and it was determined that rust was present in both periods, with a higher incidence in the months of February and March (dry period). The municipalities of Villa de Ayala and Axochiapan, had the greatest affectations with 45 to 70 % severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]