Indagini preliminari per la messa a punto di test precoci di resistenza a Phytophthora sp. in alcuni cloni italiani di ciliegio da legno (Prunus avium L.)

A new method for early selection of wild cherry clones for resistance to Phytophthora sp. is presented. Four Phytophthora species (P. cinnamomi, P. citrophthora, P. megasperma, P. alni) were tested in vitro on four micropropagated cherry (Prunus avium) clones, obtaining reliable and reproducible results. Variability in clones susceptibilities and in parasite virulence has been evidenced. Phytophthora citrophthora is confirmed to be a dangerous parasite, due to its capability to produce symptoms rapidly and its fitness to Mediterranean environments. On the contrary P. alni does not seem a dangerous parasite for wild cherry.