History of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd., is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. The
genusEuphorbia contains some 700 to 1,000 species. It is characterized by a single female flower, without
petals and usually without sepals, surrounded by individual male flowers all enclosed in a cup-shaped
structure called a cyathium. The showy red, pink, white, or bicolored portion of the plant, popularly referred
to as the flower, consists of modified leaves or bracts (Fig. 1).
The poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and originated in a rather limited region near present day Taxco.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Aztecs of central Mexico cultivated the plant and called it
Cuetlaxochitl. Because of its brilliant color, the poinsettia was a symbol of purity to the Indians. It was highly
prized by both King Netzahualcoyotl and Montezuma, but because of the high altitude climate, the plant
could not be grown in their capital, now known as Mexico City. The Indians used poinsettia bracts to make a
reddish-purple dye. They also made a medicine for fever from the plants latex.
During the 17th Century, a group of Franciscan priests settled near Taxco. They began to use the poinsettia
in the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre, a native procession. Juan Balme, a botanist of the same period, mentioned
the poinsettia plant in his writings. He described it as having large green leaves and a small flower
surrounded by bracts, almost as if for protection. The bracts, he said, turned a brilliant red. Balme also
found the plant flourishing on the slopes and in the valleys near Cuernavaca.

Fig. 2. Joel Roberts Poinsett

(1779-1851) (click image
forlarger view).

Poinsettias were first introduced in the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett (20,24) (Fig. 2).
While serving as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, he visited Taxco and found the flowers
growing on the adjacent hillsides. Poinsett, a botanist of great ability, had some plants sent to his home in
Greenville, South Carolina. They did well in his greenhouse and he distributed plants to botanical gardens
and to horticultural friends, including John Bartram of Philadelphia. Bartram, in turn, supplied the plant to
Robert Buist, a nurseryman who first sold the plant as Euphorbia pulcherrima, Willd. The name poinsettia,
however, has remained the accepted name in English-speaking countries.
The modern era of poinsettia culture began with the introduction of the seedling cultivar Oak Leaf (Fig. 3).
This cultivar was reported to have been grown originally in Jersey City, New Jersey, by a Mrs. Enteman in
1923. From 1923 until the early 1960s, all of the principal cultivars of commercial importance were
selections or sports from this original Oak Leaf seedling.

Fig. 3. Seedling cultivar Oak Leaf, the

progenitor of modern poinsettia cultivars
(click image for larger view).

Fig. 4. Field production of poinsettia stock

plants in Southern California in the mid1930s (click image for larger view).

During the middle 1950s, poinsettia breeding programs were initiated at several institutions, including the
Pennsylvania State University, the University of Maryland, the USDA Research Center at Beltsville,
Maryland, and by a number of commercial horticulture firms including Azalealand in Lincoln, Nebraska; Paul
Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California (Fig. 4); Mikkelsens in Ashtabula, Ohio; Earl J. Small of Pinnellas Park,
Florida; Yoder Brothers in Barberton, Ohio; Zieger Brothers in Hamburg, Germany; and Thormod Hegg &
Son in Reistad, Norway. Dr. Robert N. Stewart, of the Agricultural Research Service of Beltsville, Maryland,
used his genetic training to segregate desirable characteristics such as stiff stems, larger bracts, new
colors, and lasting qualities. He contributed much in determining the character of mutation forms in
poinsettias, and his cooperative efforts have been extremely helpful to the commercial hybridizers.

With the introduction of the cultivar Paul Mikkelsen in 1963 (Fig. 5), poinsettias entered a new era. This
cultivar, with stiff stems and foliage retention characteristics, provided the trade with the first longer-lasting
cultivar of commercial importance. Annette Hegg Red was introduced in Norway in 1964. This cultivar was
quickly followed by a number of sports. The Hegg cultivars introduced an entirely new type of multi-flowered
plant to the trade because of their ability to produce from five to eight blooms from a pinch, and because of
their ease of production.

Fig. 5. Paul Mikkelsen poinsettia (click

image for larger view).

Fig. 6. Winter Rose the first cultivar

with incurved bracts and foliage (click
image for larger view).

In 1988 Eckespoint Lilo was introduced. This was the of the first dark leaf poinsettia cultivars that were
early flowering, recovered quickly after unsleeving, and had excellent foliage retention for the consumer.
This cultivar required certain cultural techniques to insure good branching. In 1992, Eckespoint
Freedom was introduced. Eckespoint Freedom contained the best characteristics of Eckespoint Lilo
while branching more consistently for the producers. Today there are over 100 poinsettia cultivars grown
commercially, with one cultivar, Eckespoint Freedom representing over 50% of the red market
worldwide and 70-75% of that market consisting of poinsettias with red bracts. One final revolution to
poinsettia cultivars was the introduction of Eckespoint Winter Rose Dark Red in 1998 (Fig. 6). This
cultivar was the first introduction in the curly family with dark red incurved bracts and deep dark green
incurved foliage. (Adapted from Ecke, et al., 1990. The Poinsettia Manual [20].)

Today, poinsettias may be found in many different colors (Fig. 7) as well as product forms from mini
poinsettias to large specimen trees and every size in between. Testifying to its success and popularity, the
poinsettia is not only the most popular holiday flower, it is the number one flowering potted plant in the
United States, with over 65 million plants sold nationwide in 2000 (61).

Fig. 7. Plum Pudding, the first poinsettia

with purple bracts (click image for larger
view).

Diseases
Several diseases affect production of poinsettia, including foliar diseases such as Botrytis gray mold,
powdery mildew, Alternaria blight, Xanthomonas blight, Erwinia blight, Phytophthora blight, and root
diseases such as Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia root rot. Powdery mildew is a fairly recent
disease problem in poinsettia production that can develop explosively late in the crop production cycle.
Scab caused by Sphaceloma poinsettiae, normally a disease problem only in states like Florida and Hawaii
with subtropical climates, has been introduced nationwide the past couple of seasons with infected rooted
cuttings from propagators in Central America. On the other hand, black root rot caused by Thielaviopsis
basicola, a soilborne pathogen, was a serious disease of poinsettia in the 1950s and early 60s until the
floriculture industry moved to soilless potting mixes. Since the 1920s poinsettias in the industry have
exhibited a free-branching morphotype so that cultivars develop multiple branches from a single pinch
resulting in many blooms. Recently, a phytoplasma etiology was described that explained the free branching
habit (47,48).

Foliar Diseases
Gray mold. Botrytis cinerea (teleomorph Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary) Whetz.) can cause brown spots to
form on poinsettia flower bracts (Fig. 8) and leaves. The bract damage is easily confused with bract burn
(Fig. 9) caused by calcium deficiency, an imbalance among potassium, calcium, and magnesium or by an
ammonium-calcium antagonism. The fungus readily invades tissue damaged in any way, including that
caused by bract burn. After the true flowers have fully developed, Botrytisattacks and covers them with the
typical smoky, gray spores. Poinsettias are particularly susceptible to gray mold late in the season when it
can cause significant damage to the aesthetic quality of plants. Gray mold development also occurs during
crop shipment if infections have occurred in the production greenhouse. Large, light brown to tan, slightly
sunken cankers (Fig. 10) form when older stems are invaded through wounds on large branches or through
cracked branch crotches. Defoliation and death of branches occur above cankers that girdle stems.

Fig. 8. Brown spots on poinsettia

Fig. 9. Bract burn due to calcium deficiency

bracts caused by Botrytis (click

(click image for larger view).

image for larger view).

Fig. 10. Stem

cankers caused
by Botrytisinfection
(click image for larger
view).

Botrytis cinerea produces massive numbers of spores that are readily detached by air movement or rapid
changes in relative humidity within the crop (39). Depending upon the plant infected, 104 to 107
spores/cm2 have been observed on leaf tissue (37). Peak spore concentrations in greenhouses can occur
at midmorning and midafternoon (33,34). Spores can also be dispersed by splashing (40), in addition to
wind dispersal. Sprinkler irrigation splashes spores from place to place and provides the moisture they need
in order to germinate and invade plant surfaces. Although Botrytis thrives most under cool temperatures (20
to 25C), it can in fact survive, sporulate, and continue to cause disease between 4 and 30C (41).
It is important to manage Botrytis in the entire greenhouse because many different crops are susceptible to
gray mold (37). If geraniums, primulas, impatiens, or other highly susceptible crops are grown in the same
greenhouse as poinsettias, the fungus may form large numbers of spores on those very susceptible species
and spread to the poinsettias. In general, fading flower tissue of almost any crop becomes a food source
for Botrytis. In order to inhibit Botrytis development and minimize gray mold damage, the maintenance of
low relative humidity (below 93%) within the crop canopy is crucial. Plants should be spaced and heating,
venting, and air circulation regimes adjusted to can keep the humidity low throughout the poinsettia
production season. This usually means that pots must be separated once or twice during production so that
the canopy does not close. Irrigation systems that do not apply moisture to the above ground portions of the

plants help to maintain an environment inhibitory to Botrytis growth. By maintaining low humidity, the need
for fungicides is greatly reduced or eliminated. In operations where humidity can be consistently minimized
within the canopy, fungicides are not needed.
Because the fungus readily attacks damaged, fading, or dead tissue, it is important to avoid damaging
plants and, when possible, to remove damaged tissues. All plant debris should be promptly removed from
the greenhouse or disposed of in covered containers to prevent the spores formed on this material from
being dispersed to the crop. If these practices are followed, then fungicides can help in management.
Fungicides including chlorothalonil, fenhexamid, fludioxonil, and copper and copper plus mancozeb can be
used to protect foliage from Botrytis. Great care must be exercised in selecting and applying fungicides to
bracts because phytotoxicity, in the form of yellow spots or bleaching of the bract color, can be caused by
some materials. Furthermore, some fungicides leave a very visible residue that is unacceptable, particularly
on darkly colored foliage and bracts. Botrytis populations in most greenhouses in the U.S. are resistant to
the benzimidazole class of fungicides (thiophanate methyl). Some populations have multiple resistance to
benzimidazoles and dicarboximides (iprodione and vinclozolin) (23,46,52,53,60) and other classes of
fungicides must be employed.
Powdery mildew. A powdery mildew disease on poinsettias was first seen in Mexico and Puerto Rico in the
late 1980s, and in Pennsylvania and the Pacific Northwest in 1990. Over a hundred growers across the
U.S. were affected by powdery mildew in 1992 (16). Since that time, the disease has appeared sporadically
in North American greenhouses and has been seen in rare instances in Europe. Since there were no
previous problems with powdery mildew in North America, many of the ornamental fungicides used to
control powdery mildew on other plants were not at the time labeled to allow application to poinsettias.
Growers were extremely concerned that application of fungicides to poinsettias late in the growing season
would be injurious to the bracts. There was also a tendency at first to underestimate the impact that
powdery mildew would have on the poinsettia crop. Not only did white colonies mar the leaves (Fig. 11), but
the fungus formed dramatic white colonies on colored bracts, rendering plants unsalable (Fig. 12).

Fig. 11. Colonies of powdery mildew on a

Fig. 12. Colonies of powdery mildew on

leaf (click image for larger view).

flower bracts (click image for larger view).

The pathogen is an Oidium sp. (only the anamorph stage has been observed). It has no known hosts other
than the poinsettia, which means that unless growers keep poinsettias over in the greenhouse from year to
year, it is not likely to survive except in frost-free climates where poinsettias live year-round as landscape
ornamentals. The pathogen is moved from greenhouse to greenhouse on infected cuttings or plants. Any
grower activity in the crop such as spacing, or even spraying can disperse airborne conidia (10). All cultivars
of poinsettia tested have shown susceptibility to the disease (12).
Environmental studies at Michigan State University have demonstrated that powdery mildew will not
develop during the summer because of the deleterious effects of high temperature on the infection process
(8,9,12,13). Only when greenhouse temperatures cease to reach 86F (30C) during the day will the
powdery mildew epidemic begin to gain momentum. If growers are scouting carefully, they can respond with

fungicide treatments if and when they find the first colonies (16,35,36). Preventive treatments when the
pathogen is not present are purposeless and costly.
The most effective fungicides for control of powdery mildew on poinsettia appear to be the DMIs
triadimefon, triflumizole, and myclobutanil (17). The strobilurins kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin are also
very effective, as is piperalin (18,19). A number of other materials provide some disease suppression. Since
fungicides are available which give excellent control of the disease, only powdery mildew infestations that
are detected too late, after the disease has had numerous cycles of infection, would be expected to result in
significant crop loss.
Poinsettia scab. Poinsettia scab is a spot anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Sphaceloma
poinsettiae Jenk. & Ruehle (44,56). Until recently, it had been known to be a production problem only for
poinsettias in Florida, where inoculum presumably survives from year to year on landscape poinsettias. In
the past few years, poinsettia cuttings produced in Central America have been the source of outbreaks in
greenhouses across the United States. The host range for scab includes, in addition to Euphorbia
pulcherrima Willd. (poinsettia), two other euphorbs, E. heterophylla L. (Mexican fire plant) and E.
prunifolia L. (painted euphorbia). Weed species of Euphorbia are likely to be the source of spores for
occasional infections in ornamental stock produced in subtropical and tropical America. For the most part,
crop losses in North American production greenhouses have been minor, but the economic impact has
been significant in a few cases.

Fig. 13. Scab lesions on a leaf. Note

multiple lesions along top of midrib due to
channeling of spores in water (click image
for larger view).

The disease affects both leaves and stems of the plant (15). Small, round lesions (1 to 5 mm in diameter)
form on the leaf blade, and commonly occur on the midvein or lateral veins where they frequently coalesce
(Fig. 13). The spots develop whitish to brown centers, have a dark red to purple rim, and often show a
diffuse yellow halo. The most distinctive feature of the spots is that they are buckled out from the upper leaf
surface. With time the leaf spots develop a coating of sporulation, causing them to change from white to a
velvety brown coloring (Fig. 14). The fungus makes single-celled, ovoid, hyaline conidia (3 to 7 x 1.5 to 4
m) and also produces larger (7 to 25 x 2.5 to 7 m), pigmented, 1 to 2 celled conidia, constricted at the
septation. The latter spore type, called the fawcetti conidium has been thought to be the form most likely to
be involved in long-distance spread of the fungus by wind (Fig. 15).

Fig. 14. Sporulating scab lesion on midrib

Fig. 15. One to two-celled fawcetti conidia

with velvety brown spores (click image

ofSphaceloma poinsettiae (click image

for larger view).

forlarger view).

Fig. 16. Scab stem lesions with red

pigmentation at margin (click image
for larger view).

The stems of poinsettias show oval to elongated raised cankers, with dimensions of 3 to 10 x 2 to 6 mm.
The stem lesions are whitish in color, and there may be red pigmentation around them (Fig. 16). One of the
most bizarre features of the disease is the result of a growth regulating chemical produced by the fungus in
which a shoot with only a single canker can show superelongation. Thus, the internodes are lengthened
so that the shoot rises six inches or more above the rest of the crop (Fig. 17). Cassava is affected by a
similar fungus, Sphaceloma manihoticola, and that pathogen has been shown to produce gibberellin A4(62).
Even if the lesions on leaves and stems are overlooked, growers will notice the affected shoots that stretch
high above the rest of the crop.

Fig. 17. Superelongation of poinsettia

stems in the vegetative stage (left) and
later in the flower bract stage (right) due
to scab (click image for larger view).

S. poinsettiae is favored by high humidity and wet growing conditions, which are not uncommon during
poinsettia propagation. Splashing water will spread the spores easily, and insects might also move spores
from plant to plant. Details of the epidemiology of S. poinsettiae have not been determined.
Control studies by Engelhard in Florida two decades ago showed benomyl, chlorothalonil, mancozeb,
mancozeb plus thiophanate-methyl and copper hydroxide to be effective against poinsettia scab, whereas
dicarboximides were ineffective (25). Trials conducted in 2001 by Chase and Daughtrey (14) indicated that
triazoles, strobilurins, materials containing mancozeb, chlorothalonil, and a chlorothalonil plus thiophanatemethyl combination were very effective as protectants against poinsettia scab. Bicarbonates and copper
sulfate pentahydrate were less effective but provided some control.
Poinsettia growers are encouraged to scout for scab symptoms on leaves and stems. If scab is detected,
infected plants should be removed, and the remainder treated with an effective fungicide. Splashing during
irrigation and lengthy periods of leaf wetness should be avoided in order to reduce the opportunity for new
scab infections.

Fig. 18. Alternaria leaf spot on poinsettia

(click image for larger view).

Alternaria leaf spot and blight. Alternaria leaf spot in poinsettia (caused by Alternaria euphorbiicola) was
first reported causing commercial losses from Florida in about 1984. In 1986, Yoshimura et al. (59)
described what appears to be the same disease caused by Alternaria euphorbiae(=Macrosporium
euphorbiae). The disease started in Hawaii in late 1983. Alternaria blight of poinsettias is characterized by
small (less than 1 mm in diameter) lesions that are initially water-soaked. The roughly circular lesions turn
reddish-brown to dark brown and reach 20 mm in diameter (Fig. 18). Lesions may or may not have a halo.
Lesions also form on bracts reaching 40 mm across with a black-purple margin. Stem lesions can result in
girdling and subsequent loss of the stem. Cultivar resistance was examined in the 1980s but no work has
been done with the multitude of new cultivars introduced since that time. Elimination of water on leaves is
important to completely control Alternaria leaf spot of poinsettias. In 1985, iprodione and the combination
product of thiophanate methyl and mancozeb were reported effective in controlling Alternaria leaf spot (26).
Although both products are still available, McGovern (50) identified azoxystrobin and fludioxonil as giving
superior disease control in studies conducted in the late 1990s.
Erwinia blight and cutting rot. Soft rot of poinsettia cuttings was originally described in 1959 from Missouri
(55). The pathogen was identified as Erwinia carotovora, the cause of many ornamental soft rot diseases.
The onset of symptoms is very rapid with soft rot evident as much as 7 to 10 cm above the cut end of a
cutting within 24 hours of infection. The rot starts as a watery area at the cut end or anywhere on the

cutting, causing disintegration (Fig. 19). A characteristic rotten fishy odor often is present in the propagation
house when this disease is present. Infected cuttings parts that have dried remain sources of active
bacteria for at least 6 weeks. Erwinia carotovora is widely distributed throughout most ornamental
production areas. It has even been found in irrigation water in some of the southern states. Growers have
reported that preventative water treatment with 0.5 to 1 ppm bromine or chlorine has been effective. Use of
bactericides is rarely helpful with soft rot diseases of cuttings.

Fig. 19. Erwinia blight on poinsettia cuttings

in propagation (click image for larger view).

Fig. 20. Angular leaf spots on poinsettia

caused by Xanthomonas (click image
forlarger view).

Xanthomonas leaf spot. Xanthomonas leaf spot on poinsettias was originally reported in 1951 from India
(54). It was later described as causing commercial losses in outdoor production of poinsettias in Florida in
1960 (49). The cause is Xanthomonas campestris pv. poinsettiicola. Pinpoint spots start as dull gray to
brown slightly water-soaked areas. As the lesions mature they turn yellow to tan and are scattered across
the leaf surface. Sometimes they enlarge and become angular in shape due to limited movement across
leaf veins (Fig 20). This disease can be confused with early symptoms of scab. Severe infections can cause
distortion of new leaves as well as complete chlorosis and finally abscission of older leaves. When the
disease was discovered in Florida, researchers found that many, if not all, popular cultivars of the day were
highly susceptible to Xanthomonas leaf spot. No new work has been conducted to evaluate cultivar
resistance. Control must be based on elimination of all stock plants with Xanthomonas leaf spot. In this day
of mass production of rooted poinsettia cuttings it is most important for the propagator to identify a bacterial
leaf spot outbreak and eradicate it at the source. Use of copper bactericides may be partially effective in
controlling this disease but are rarely effective in stopping an outbreak once infection has occurred. The
disease is nearly impossible to control unless plants are produced without overhead watering or exposure
to rainfall.

Root Diseases
Pythium root rot. Every season, some poinsettia growers encounter crop losses as a result of Pythium
root rot. Depending upon the circumstances in the particular greenhouse, a few plants may be affected or a

very high percentage of the crop can be lost. Pythium usually attacks early in the season (3), soon after
cuttings have been potted. Severely affected rooted cuttings wilt and die rapidly. The base of the cutting is
brown and has a water-soaked appearance. The callus and any new roots at the base of the cutting also
turn brown. The growth of infected plants that survive is stunted (Fig. 21) and these plants often wilt (Fig.
22) during the heat of the day and recover at night later in the season. Infected roots of established plants
are dark brown in color and the outer layers of root tissue strip off leaving a bare strand of inner vascular
tissue exposed (Fig. 23). Infected plants that survive until flowering usually flower prematurely and defoliate.

Fig. 21. Stunting of poinsettia growth (left)

Fig. 22. Wilted foliage of a poinsettia due to

due to Pythium root rot compared to

Pythium root rot. Wilted plants may recover

healthy plant (right) (click image for larger

at night (click image for larger view).

view).

Fig. 23. Roots of poinsettia with dark

brown discoloration and sloughed off
cortical tissues (click image for larger
view).

Fig. 24. Spherical oospores of

a Pythium sp. in the cortical cells of a
poinsettia root (click image for larger view).

An examination of the root cortex cells often reveals the presence of spherical oospores (Fig. 24). However,
oospores may be absent and only sparse hyphae are observed in the roots. When such roots are plated
onto water agar or a selective medium (21,43), Pythium grows out within 24 hourPythium irregulare and P.
ultimum are common species found in poinsettia roots (29,57) but a recent examination of isolates obtained
from clinic samples in Pennsylvania from 1996 to 2001 indicated that Pythium aphanidermatumaccounted
for 76% of the Pythium root rot cases (Moorman, unpublished). At this time it is not known whether

poinsettias are more susceptible to P. aphanidermatum than other species, whetherP. aphanidermatum is
infecting cuttings during propagation and is being inadvertently shipped to other growers or whether the
greenhouse temperatures and other cultural conditions used in poinsettia production make it more likely
that P. aphanidermatum will successfully attack poinsettias than other species.
Pythium inoculum may enter the production system from a number of sources. If the propagator of cuttings
allows Pythium to infect plants during the callusing and rooting process and infections go unobserved,
then Pythium-infected cuttings are sold to customers. Other sources of the organism include contaminated
soil from under and between benches or outside the greenhouse that is then moved into pots or irrigation
water reservoirs or onto benches or flood floors. If the grower uses contaminated field soil as a component
of the potting mix or if the properly treated potting soil is contaminated with untreated soil, it is not unusual
for a very high percentage of the crop to be affected. Growers employing potting mixes composed of
mixtures of peat moss, bark, vermiculite, coir, peanut or rice hulls, perlite, and other non-soil materials
sometimes allow the mix to become contaminated with Pythium-infested soil from the sources noted above.
It is known that peat moss can harbor Pythium (45) and it has been found that commercial soilless potting
media sometimes contain the pathogen. Surface water supplies such as streams and ponds may
bear Pythium. When used as sources of irrigation water, plants will be inoculated regardless of whether the
water is applied via sprinkler irrigation, trickle, or by ebb and flow systems. In subirrigation systems, severe
cases of waterborne Pythium root rot occur in operations employing long flooding times (more than 30 to 40
minutes) or where flooded floors or benches do not drain completely and pots remain in puddles for
extended periods. While it is known that fungus gnats and shoreflies are vectors ofPythium in some
systems (31,32,42), the importance of this in potted plant production has not been studied. Factors that
favor Pythium root rot development in poinsettias include excessive fertilizer levels (51), high soil moisture
levels (2), and soil pHs above 5.5 (1) when P. ultimum is involved. Little work has been done on factors
affecting other species known to attack poinsettias.
Pythium root rot is difficult to control once it has begun. Every effort should be directed toward preventing
the disease before it begins by eliminating the pathogen from the production system. Pathogen-free potting
mixes are essential in this effort and general sanitation practices in the greenhouse should target the
removal or treatment of soil that may harbor Pythium. Disinfesting bench surfaces, flood floor systems,
potting benches, tools, and equipment that will contact the potting mix is important. If pond or stream water
is used for irrigation, the intake pipe should be well above the bottom so that sediment is not drawn in. If the
water supply is suspected of being a source of Pythium, it may be necessary to treat the water (22).
Irrigation systems in which unused water is recycled, once contaminated with a pathogen, becomes an
ongoing source of Pythium. For that reason, ebb and flow system reservoirs should be covered in order to
prevent contaminated soil or debris from entering them. To remove plant debris that may harbor the
pathogen from the water, the water should be passed over a coarse screen before it is returned to the
reservoir.
In a greenhouse operation with a history of Pythium root rot, fungicides or biological control agents should
be applied as early in the cropping cycle as possible. Biological agents including species and strains
of Trichoderma, Bacillus, Gliocladium, and Streptomyces, can be applied to the potting mix before, during or
immediately after transplant. In general it is recommended that chemical pesticides not be applied to the
potting mix during the period from 10 days before to 10 days after applying the biological control agent.
Biological control agents and fungicides may have to be applied more than once in order to maintain
adequate protection throughout the season, particularly on stock plants. Several fungicides, including
mefenoxam/metalaxyl, propamocarb, and etridiazole are registered for use on poinsettias in the U.S.
However, some populations of P. aphanidermatum and P. irregularehave resistance to
mefenoxam/metalaxyl.

Phytophthora root, crown, leaf, bract, and flower blight. Two species of Phytophthora, P.
nicotianae Breda de Haan (=P. parasitica Dastur) and P. drechsleri have been recovered from poinsettias in
greenhouses at various locations in the United States. Root, crown, and stem rot caused by P.
nicotianae was first described by Engelhard and Ploetz in 1979 (27), and foliar infection caused by both P.
nicotianae and P. drechsleri was first described by Yoshimura et al. in 1985 (58). Infected roots are brown
and depending on the environmental conditions and the age of the plant, infection may be present for
varying lengths of time before wilt or stunting is noticed. Infections at and above the soil line are
characterized by purple-black lesions that may expand rapidly from stems to brack petioles causing the
bracts to wilt (Fig. 25). Leaf lesions are paper-like and dry in texture, grayish brown at first, turning brown to
black. Blight symptoms produced by these two species are virtually identical (58).

Fig. 25. Wilting of flower bracts and

foliage due to stem lesions caused by
aPhytophthora sp. (click image for larger
view).

Both P. nicotianae and P. drechsleri are heterothallic, requiring A1 and A2 mating types to complete the
sexual stage, and form thick-walled oospores (28). Single isolates readily produce sporangia on diseased
tissue and sporangia can quickly release swimming zoospores as the crop is watered. Recent epidemics of
Phytophthora blight in floriculture production facilities throughout the U.S. were caused by the spread of a
single clonal lineage (e.g., sporangia and zoospores from a singlePhytophthora isolate) including one
epidemic in poinsettia caused by P. drechsleri (Lamour and Hausbeck, unpublished). Many poinsettia
production facilities utilize ebb and flood watering strategies which provide frequent opportunities for the
spread of sporangia and zoospores to other plants as the crop is watered. The incubation period between
the initial infection of a plant and subsequent visible symptoms provides ample time for spread of inoculum
throughout a facility.
Control strategies that prevent initial infections are most effective in limiting the development of
Phytophthora epidemics in poinsettia. These include the use of pathogen-free potting mix and strict
sanitation in the production facility. The fungicides metalaxyl (Subdue) and more recently mefenoxam
(Subdue Maxx) have been shown to be very effective in controlling Phytophthora blight of poinsettia (58).
However, isolates of P. nicotianae resistant to the highest rate of application of metalaxyl or mefenoxam
have been reported from floriculture production facilities (30, Lamour and Hausbeck, unpublished). Applying
fungicide to known infected plants will increase the chance of selecting for insensitive isolates. The most
effective way to halt an epidemic is to remove all plants from a production area in a facility that have been
irrigated with water from the reservoir that collects recycled water from known infected plants. Even healthy
looking plants may be infected so strict sanitation following an epidemic is mandatory to prevent reoccurrences.

Rhizoctonia stem rot. Stem rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn AG-4 is the most important disease
that affects poinsettia during propagation. The pathogen has a very wide host range, as well as a high
competitive saprophytic ability. This combination of characteristics provides an ideal opportunity for both
infection of host tissue and colonization of plant debris followed by subsequent long-term survival either as
mycelium or sclerotia associated with crop debris. Growers may practice strict sanitation but often times R.
solani becomes an indigenous pathogen in greenhouse production facilities as the fungus survives between
crops in infested debris left behind on the bench, equipment, floor, walkways, and even in crevasses on
wooden benches.
Poinsettia may be propagated in 10-unit polyfoam rooting strips, rockwool cubes, or stuck directly in a
soilless potting mix in pots. Propagation of poinsettia typically occurs in the hot months of July and August
in the greenhouse under conditions of almost constant leaf wetness from mist systems designed to prevent
the cutting from wilting. Under these ideal conditions, Rhizoctonia stem rot develops when debris colonized
by R. solani is dispersed to the rooting strip by splashing water or other means of contact. The initial
symptoms of disease are small lesions that often develop at the point on the stem even with the top surface
of the rooting cube. Lesions have a dry appearance with a dark border and tan center (Fig. 26). Multiple
lesions may develop on a single cutting. If newly made cuttings become infected, lesions expand rapidly
girdling the stem and collapsing the cutting within 5 to 7 days (Fig. 27). Cuttings that have been in
propagation a week or more are more resistant to R. solani. Drooping leaves on cuttings that contact the
bench surface also can be infected by Rhizoctonia harbored in residual debris. Infected areas on leaves are
brown and beads of white latex from the host often appear on the infected tissue under conditions of high
humidity. Infected leaves are quickly colonized and provide an avenue of entry to stems for further stem rot
development. Commercial ELISA kits are available for growers and diagnosticians to detect R. solaniin
infected poinsettia tissue (5). Once one cutting in a rooting strip becomes infected, R. solani can use that
diseased tissue as a food base to grow both on the surface and through the strip to infect other cuttings in
the 10-unit strip. Sclerotia and hyphae may be visible on the surface of the rooting cube particularly on the
sides exposed when the protective cover holding the strip is removed (Fig. 28).

Fig. 26. Poinsettia cutting with stem lesion

Fig. 27. Collapse of a poinsettia cutting with

in leaf abscission area (left) and close up

stem rot in a rooting strip. Other cuttings in

ofRhizoctonia hyphae growing out into

strip have visible stem lesions as well (click

rooting cube (right) (click image for larger

image for larger view).

view).

Fig. 28. Rooting strip removed from

protective plastic cover to
reveal Rhizoctoniahyphae growing through
strip (click image forlarger view).

Rhizoctonia crown and root rot. Root rot may develop either in the rooting cube or on rooted cuttings
transplanted to pots as the crop is finished for retail. Infected roots become water-soaked then brown. Both
root tips and sections of the root away from the tip may develop symptoms. Crown rot can develop on the
stem as lesions expand from stem infections occurring during propagation. However, stem lesions may
develop at a much slower pace on rooted plants, since this tissue is more hardened off and thus more
resistant than stems of newly made cuttings. Foliar symptoms of crown and root rot include chlorosis, leaf
necrosis, wilting, defoliation, and plant death, but often the most common symptom is stunting. Root rot
infections may be initiated from lesions on stems or from inoculum introduced to the potting mix from debris
surviving in the greenhouse. Generally, moist but not wet conditions in the potting mix favor development of
Rhizoctonia crown and root rot on potted plants. Spacing plants with a full canopy too close together can
result in moisture and soil temperatures favorable for development of disease due to shading of the
container surface.
Control of stem and root rot begins with thorough removal of all crop debris from the production facility at
the end of a cropping cycle. Sanitation of work area and bench surfaces with surface disinfectants is
important. During propagation, misting cycles should be monitored closely to avoid over wetting foliage of
cuttings once newly made cuttings become turgid. Daily scouting of propagation areas is needed so that
rooting strips with any cutting showing symptoms or signs of stem rot can be removed. No rooted cuttings
from a strip with an infected cutting should be transplanted since the pathogen may have grown through the
foam cubes resulting in apparently healthy but infected cuttings that will not produce saleable plants.
In greenhouse production facilities with a history of Rhizoctonia stem and root rot, soaking dry rooting strips
in a fungicide solution can protect cuttings from disease (4). Fungicides such as flutolanil, iprodione, and
chlorothalonil actually prevented R. solani from colonizing the rooting cube (4). Fludioxonil and the new
strobilurins such as azoxystrobin also are effective for stem rot control (7). Generally one application of
fungicide is sufficient to protect the crop during the propagation cycle. Since some fungicides affect the
number of roots formed on cuttings, growers should test specific fungicide by cultivar combinations for
safety before using a product on the entire crop (6). After transplanting, fungicide drenches may be needed
at regular intervals to prevent crown and root rot.
In addition to traditional fungicides, several biocontrol agents such as Burkholderia cepacia,Paecilomyces
lilacinus, and binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. (BNR) have shown potential for control of Rhizoctonia stem and
root rot (11). Commercial biocontrol agents mentioned above also are available, although those based
on Gliocladium virens are phytotoxic to unrooted poinsettia cuttings (Benson, unpublished). In a unique
study, a sequential application of B. cepacia to rooting strips followed by incorporation of a Pesta
formulation of BNR into potting mix at transplanting protected poinsettia from stem rot in propagation and
root and stem rot for 52 days after transplanting (38).

Conclusion
The long production season for poinsettias (from propagation in the hot months of summer to vegetative
growth and then flower bract development in the shorter days and cooler months of fall and early winter)
provides a wide range of environmental conditions that can foster a series of diseases. We have described
the major poinsettia diseases that are widespread in the industry. A number of other less common diseases
can cause significant problems for individual growers when favorable environmental conditions prevail. In
addition to biotic agents, improper fertilization practices can cause symptoms in poinsettias. A
convenient table summarizing the management of poinsettia diseases and nutrient deficiencies is available
online from Penn State University. A description including images of physiological disorders in poinsettia
due to improper fertilization can be found online from North Carolina State University. Plant pathologists will
continue research and extension efforts to provide growers with the best possible disease management
strategies that will help to preserve the poinsettia as the Christmas flower.
http://www.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/pages/poinsettiaflower.aspx

Mai multe boli afecteaz producia de Poinsettia, inclusiv a bolilor foliare, cum ar
fi mucegai Botrytis gri, fainarea, Alternaria pacoste, Xanthomonas pacoste,
Erwinia pacoste, Phytophthora mana, i boli de rdcin, cum ar fi Pythium,
Phytophthora i Rhizoctonia .
Finarea este o problem destul de recent a produciei Poinsettia care se poate
dezvolta exploziv trziu n ciclul de producie a culturilor. Crusta cauzat de
Sphaceloma poinsettiae, n mod normal, o boal problem numai n state precum
Florida i Hawaii cu clim subtropical, a fost nregistrat la nivel naional n
ultimele sezoane cu butai nrdcinai infectate de propagatori din America
Central.
Pe de alt parte, putregaiul negru de rdcin cauzat de Thielaviopsis basicola-un
agent patogen a fost o boal grav la Poinsettia n anii 1950 i nceputul anilor 60
pn la industria floristic mutat la mixurile de sol n ghivece. Avnd n vedere
c aceast specie n 1920, n industrie a prezentat o liber ramificare, astfel
nct s dezvolte soiuri multiple, ramuri dintr-un singur vrf de cuit care rezult
n mai multe flori.
Mucegai gri. Botrytis cinerea (teleomorph Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary)
Whetz.) Poate provoca pete maro, care se formeaz pe bracteele de flori
Poinsettia (Fig. 8) i frunze. Pagubele asupra bracteelor sunt uor de confundat cu
arsura (Fig. 9) cauzate de deficienta de calciu, un dezechilibru ntre potasiu,
calciu, magneziu sau de antibioz amoniu-calciu. Ciuperca invadeaz esutul uor
deteriorat ntr-un fel anume, inclusiv cea cauzat de arsura bracteelor. Dup ce sau dezvoltat adevrate flori complete, Botrytisattacks le acoper cu tipice spori
de fum, gri. Poinsettias sunt deosebit de sensibile la mucegai gri n sezonul
trziu cnd aceasta poate provoca daune semnificative privind calitatea estetic
a plantelor. Dezvoltare mucegaiului gri apare, de asemenea, n timpul
transportului, dac culturilor au fost infestate n sera de producie. Mare, maro
deschis pn la cafeniu, gangrenele uor adncite (fig. 10), atunci cnd prezint

rni mai vechi sunt pe ramuri mari sau prin intermediul sucursalelor ramurilor
bifurcate la capt crpate.
Botrytis cinerea produce un numr masiv de spori, care sunt uor de detaat de
micarea aerului sau schimbri rapide n umiditatea relativ n cultur (39). n
funcie de planta infectat, au fost observate 104 la 107 spori / cm2 pe esut de
frunz (37). Concentraiile de spori de vrf n sere pot aprea la mijlocul dupamiezii i dimineii (33,34). Sporii pot fi, de asemenea, dispersai prin stropire
(40), n plus fa de vnt. Irigare orin aspersiune sporesc sporii din loc n loc i
ofer umiditatea de care au nevoie pentru a germina i a invada suprafeele
plantei. Dei Botrytis prosper mai mult la temperaturi reci (20 la 25 C), poate
supravieui i continu s provace boli chiar i ntre 4 i 30 C (41).
n scopul inhibrii dezvoltrii Botrytis i minimalizrii daunelor mucegaiului gri, se
menine umiditatea relativ sczut (sub 93%). Plantele ar trebui s fie
distanate i nclzite,
iar regimurile
aerului,
adaptate pentru
Fig. 8. Brownventilate,
spots on poinsettia
Fig. 9. Bractcirculaiei
burn due to calcium
deficiency
a pstra sczut
umiditatea
pe
tot
parcursul
sezonului
de
producie
al Poinsettiei.
bracts caused by Botrytis (click
(click image for larger view).
Aceasta inseamna
ca vasele trebuie s fie separat de vreo dou ori n timpul
image for larger view).
produciei, astfel nct bolta nu se nchide. Sisteme de irigare care nu se aplic
umiditate la poriuni de baz ale plantelor ajut la meninerea unui inhibitor
mediu a creterii Botrytis. Prin meninerea umiditate sczut, nevoia de fungicide
este mult redus sau eliminat. n cadrul operaiunilor unde umiditatea poate fi
minimizat n mod constant n bolta, nu sunt necesare fungicide.
Deoarece ciuperca uor atacuri de deteriorat, decolorare, sau tesut mort, este
important s se evite plante daunatoare si, atunci cnd este posibil, pentru a
elimina tesuturi deteriorate. Toate resturile de plante ar trebui s fie eliminate
imediat din ser sau eliminate n containere acoperite pentru a preveni sporii
formate pe acest material de a fi dispersat de cultura. n cazul n care aceste
practici sunt urmate, atunci fungicide poate ajuta n management. Fungicide
inclusiv clorotalonil, fenhexamid, fludioxonil, i cupru i cupru plus mancozeb pot
fi folosite pentru a proteja frunze de Botrytis. Mare grij trebuie s fie exercitat
n selectarea i aplicarea fungicide la bractee, deoarece fitotoxicitate, sub form
de pete galbene sau albire a culorii bract, pot fi cauzate de unele materiale. Mai
mult, unele fungicide lsa un reziduu foarte vizibil, care este inacceptabil, n
special pe frunze misterios colorate i bractee. Populaiile Botrytis majoritatea
sere din SUA sunt rezistente la clasa benzimidazol de fungicide (tiofanat metil).
Unele populatii au o rezisten mai multe la benzimidazoli i dicarboximide
(iprodion i vinclozolin) (23,46,52,53,60) i alte categorii de fungicide trebuie
folosite.
Finarea. O boal finare pe poinsettias a fost observat pentru prima dat n
Mexic i Puerto Rico la sfritul anilor 1980, i n Pennsylvania i nord-vestul
Pacificului n 1990. Peste o sut de cultivatori din SUA au fost afectate de fainarii
n 1992 (16). Din acel moment, boala a aprut sporadic n sere din America de
Nord si a fost vazut in cazuri rare n Europa. Deoarece nu au existat probleme
anterioare cu finare n America de Nord, muli dintre fungicidele ornamentale
utilizate pentru a controla finarea pe alte plante nu au fost la momentul
etichetat s permit aplicarea la poinsettias. Cultivatorii au fost extrem de
preocupat de faptul c aplicarea fungicide la poinsettias trziu n sezonul de
cretere ar fi duntoare pentru bracteele. Nu a fost, de asemenea, o tendin de
la nceput de a subestima impactul pe care finare-ar avea asupra culturii

Poinsettia. Nu numai c colonii albe strica frunzele (fig. 11), dar ciuperca format
colonii albe dramatice pe bractee colorate, plante redare nevandabil (Fig. 12).

Fig. 11. Colonies of powdery mildew on a

Fig. 12. Colonies of powdery mildew on

leaf (click image for larger view).

flower bracts (click image for larger view).

Agentul patogen este un sp Oidium. (numai n stadiul anamorf a fost observat).

Nu are gazde cunoscute, altele dect Poinsettia, ceea ce nseamn c, dac
cultivatorii ine poinsettias peste n ser de la an la an, nu este de natur s
supravieuiasc dect n climate fr ghea n cazul n care poinsettias locuiesc
pe tot parcursul anului ca plante ornamentale peisaj. Agentul patogen este mutat
de la efect de ser cu efect de ser pe butai sau plante infectate. Orice
activitate cultivator n cultura, cum ar fi spaierea, sau chiar pulverizare poate
dispersa n aer conidii (10). Toate soiurile de Poinsettia testate au artat
sensibilitate la boala (12). Studii de mediu la Michigan State University au
demonstrat c finare nu se va dezvolta n timpul verii, din cauza efectelor
nocive ale temperaturi ridicate asupra procesului de infectie (8,9,12,13). Numai
atunci cnd temperaturile cu efect de ser nceteaz s ajung la 86 F (30 C)
n timpul zilei va ncepe finare epidemia a obine un impuls. n cazul n care
cultivatorii sunt scouting atent, se poate rspunde cu tratamente fungicid dac i
cnd, ei afl primele colonii (16,35,36). Tratamente preventive n cazul n care
agentul patogen nu este prezent sunt finalitate i costisitoare.
Fungicidele mai eficiente pentru controlul mucegaiului pulverulent pe Poinsettia
par a fi cele triadimefon DMI, triflumizol, i miclobutanil (17). Cele strobilurine
kresoxim-metil i trifloxistrobin sunt de asemenea foarte eficiente, cum este
piperalin (18,19). O serie de alte materiale oferi unele suprimare a bolii. Deoarece
fungicide sunt disponibile care dau un control excelent al bolii, numai infestri
finare care sunt detectate prea trziu, dup ce boala a avut numeroase cicluri
de infectie, ar fi de ateptat s duc la pierderi semnificative culturilor.

Poinsettia crust. Poinsettia crust este o boala cauzata de loc anthracnose

ciuperca Sphaceloma poinsettiae Jenk. & Ruehle (44,56). Pn de curnd, aceasta
a fost cunoscut ca fiind o problem de producie doar pentru poinsettias n
Florida, n cazul n care inocul supravieuiete probabil de la an la an, pe
poinsettias peisaj. n ultimii ani, butai Poinsettia produse n America Central au
fost sursa de focare n sere din Statele Unite.
Gama gazd pentru crust include, n plus fa de Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.
(Poinsettia), alte dou euphorbs, E. heterophylla L. (plant mexican incendiu) i E.
prunifolia L. (Euphorbia vopsit). Specii de buruieni de Euphorbia sunt susceptibile
de a fi sursa de spori pentru infectii ocazionale n stoc produse ornamentale din
America tropicale i subtropicale. Pentru cea mai mare parte, pierderile de recolte

in sere de producie din America de Nord au fost minore, dar impactul economic a
fost semnificativ n cteva cazuri.

Fig. 13. Scab lesions on a leaf. Note

multiple lesions along top of midrib due to
channeling of spores in water (click image
for larger view).

Boala afecteaza atat frunze i tulpini de plante (15). Leziuni mici, rotunde (de la 1
la 5 mm n diametru) formular pe lama frunze, i frecvent apar pe midvein sau
laterale venele n cazul n care se unesc n mod frecvent (Fig. 13). Spoturile
dezvolta albicios la centrele de maro, au un rou nchis la RIM violet, i arat de
multe ori un halou galben difuz. Caracteristica cea mai distinctiv a pete este c
acestea sunt cedat de la suprafaa frunzelor superioare. Cu timpul petele frunze
dezvolta un strat de sporulare, care le determin s se schimbe de la alb la o
culoare maro catifelat (Fig. 14). Ciuperca face unicelular, ovoid, conidii hialin (cu
3 la 7 x 1.5 pentru a 4Nm) i, de asemenea, produce mari (7 pentru a 25 x 2.5
pm la 7 pm), pigmentat, 1 pn la doi celula conidii, constrns la septation.
Ultimul tip de spori, numit "fawcetti conidii" a fost considerat a fi forma cea mai
susceptibile de a fi implicate n rspndirea pe distane lungi a ciupercii de vnt
(Fig. 15).

Fig. 14. Sporulating scab lesion on midrib

Fig. 15. One to two-celled fawcetti conidia

with velvety brown spores (click image

ofSphaceloma poinsettiae (click image

for larger view).

forlarger view).

Fig. 16. Scab stem lesions with red

pigmentation at margin (click image
for larger view).

Tulpinile de poinsettias arat ovale pentru cankers ridicate alungite, cu

dimensiuni de 3 pn la 10 x 2 la 6 mm. Leziunile stem sunt albicioas culoare, si
nu pot fi de culoare roie pigmentare jurul lor (Fig. 16). Una dintre caracteristicile
cele mai bizare ale bolii este rezultatul unui produs chimic de reglare a creterii
produs de ciuperca n care o trage cu un singur gangren poate arta
"superelongation." Astfel, internodii sunt prelungite astfel nct trage ridic ase
inci sau mai sus de restul recoltei (fig. 17). Cassava este afectat de o ciuperca
similar, Sphaceloma manihoticola, iar agentul patogen a fost demonstrat pentru
a produce gibberellin A4 (62). Chiar dac leziunile pe frunze i tulpini sunt trecute
cu vederea, cultivatorii vor observa muguri afectate care se ntind deasupra
restul culturii.

Fig. 17. Superelongation of poinsettia stems in the

vegetative stage (left) and later in the flower bract stage
(right) due to scab (click image for larger view).

S. poinsettiae este favorizat de umiditatea ridicat i condiiile de cretere

umede, care sunt mai puin frecvente n timpul nu Poinsettia propagare. Stropirii
cu ap se va rspndi sporii uor, i insecte s-ar putea deplasa, de asemenea
spori de la planta la planta. Detalii privind epidemiologia S. poinsettiae nu au fost
determinate. Studiile de control de Engelhard n Florida urm cu dou decenii au
artat benomil, clorotalonil, mancozeb, mancozeb plus tiofanat-metil i hidroxid
de cupru pentru a fi eficient mpotriva Poinsettia crust, n timp ce dicarboximide
au fost ineficiente (25). Studiile realizate n 2001 de ctre Chase i Daughtrey

(14) a indicat c triazoli, strobilurine, materialele care conin mancozeb,

clorotalonil, i o clorotalonil plus tiofanat-metil combinaie au fost foarte eficiente
ca protectori mpotriva Poinsettia crust. Bicarbonai i sulfat de cupru
pentahidrat au fost mai puin eficiente, dar cu condiia anumit control.
Cultivatorii Poinsettia sunt ncurajate s Scout pentru simptome crust pe frunze
i tulpini. Dac se detecteaz rapn, plante infectate trebuie eliminate, iar restul
se trateaz cu o fungicid eficient. Stropire n timpul irigare i perioade lungi de
frunze umezeala ar trebui evitate pentru a reduce posibilitatea de infectii noi
crust.

Fig. 18. Alternaria leaf spot on poinsettia

(click image for larger view).

Alternaria la faa locului frunze i pacoste. Alternaria la faa locului frunze n

Poinsettia (cauzate de Alternaria euphorbiicola) a fost prima raportat cauznd
pierderi comerciale din Florida n 1984. n 1986 aproximativ, Yoshimura et al. (59)
a descris ceea ce pare a fi aceeasi boala cauzata de Alternaria euphorbiae (=
Macrosporium euphorbiae). Boala a nceput n Hawaii la sfritul anului 1983.
Alternaria pacoste de poinsettias este caracterizat prin mici (mai puin de 1 mm
n diametru) leziuni care sunt iniial mbibat cu ap. Leziunile aproximativ
circulare transforma rou-brun la culoare maro i ajunge la 20 mm n diametru
(fig. 18). Leziunile pot sau nu pot avea un halou. Leziunile formeaz, de
asemenea, pe bractee atinge 40 mm diametru, cu o marj de negru-violet.
Leziunile stem poate duce la girdling i pierderea ulterioar a tijei.
Rezisten soiul a fost examinat n anii 1980, dar nici o lucrare a fost fcut cu
multitudinea de noi soiuri introduse din acel moment. Eliminarea apei pe frunze,
este important de a controla complet la faa locului frunze Alternaria de
poinsettias. n 1985, iprodion i produsul combinaie de tiofanat metil i
mancozeb au fost raportate eficace n controlul Alternaria ptarea frunzelor (26).
Dei ambele produse sunt nc disponibile, McGovern (50) a identificat
azoxistrobin i fludioxonil ca oferind control al bolii superioare n studii efectuate
la sfritul anilor 1990.

Man Erwinia i putregai de tiere. Rot moale de butai Poinsettia a fost descris
iniial n 1959 de la Missouri (55). Agentul patogen a fost identificat ca Erwinia
carotovora, cauza multor boli ornamentale putregai moale. Debutul simptomelor
este foarte rapida, cu putregai moale evident la fel de mult ca 7 la 10 cm
deasupra captul tiat al unui tiere n 24 de ore de la infecie. Putregaiul ncepe
ca o zon de lichid la captul tiat sau de oriunde de pe tiere, provocnd

dezintegrare (Fig. 19). Un miros de pete putred caracteristic de multe ori este
prezent n casa de propagare atunci cnd aceast boal este prezent. Butai
piese infectate care au uscate rmn surse de bacterii active pentru cel puin 6
sptmni. Erwinia carotovora este distribuit pe scar larg n cele mai multe
zone de producie ornamentale. Acesta a fost gsit chiar i n ap pentru irigaii
n unele state din sud. Cultivatorii au raportat c tratamentul apei preventiv cu
0,5 pn la 1 ppm brom sau clor a fost eficient. Utilizarea bactericide este rareori
util cu boli moi putregai de butai.

Fig. 19. Erwinia blight on poinsettia cuttings

in propagation (click image for larger view).

Fig. 20. Angular leaf spots on poinsettia

caused by Xanthomonas (click image
forlarger view).

La faa locului frunze Xanthomonas. La faa locului frunze Xanthomonas pe

poinsettias a fost raportat iniial n 1951 din India (54). Mai trziu a fost descris ca
cauznd pierderi comerciale n producia n aer liber de poinsettias n Florida n
1960 (49). Cauza este Xanthomonas campestris pv. poinsettiicola. Indica pete
ncepe gri mat n zonele uor mbibat n ap maro. Ca leziunile mature se ntorc
galben pn la cafeniu i sunt mprtiate pe suprafaa frunzelor. Uneori, ei mri
i devin unghiulare n form, datorit circulaie limitat peste vene frunze (Fig
20). Aceasta boala poate fi confundat cu simptome timpurii ale ruginii. Infecii
severe poate provoca o denaturare a frunze noi, precum i cloroza complet i, n
final extirpare de frunze mai mari. Atunci cand boala a fost descoperit n Florida,
cercetatorii au descoperit ca multe, dac nu toate, soiuri populare de zi au fost
extrem de sensibile la Xanthomonas la faa locului frunze.
Nici o lucrare nou a fost efectuat pentru a evalua rezistenta soiul. De control
trebuie s se bazeze pe eliminarea tuturor plantelor de stoc cu Xanthomonas la
faa locului frunze. n aceast zi de producie n mas de butai nrdcinai
Poinsettia este cel mai important pentru propagator de a identifica un focar loc
frunze bacteriene i eradicarea-l la surs. Utilizarea bactericide de cupru poate fi
parial eficace in controlul acestei boli, dar sunt rareori eficiente in oprirea un

focar odat infecie a avut loc. Boala este aproape imposibil de controlat, cu
excepia cazului plantele sunt produse fr udare sau expunerea la precipitaii.
Boli rdcin
Pythium rdcin putrezeasc. Fiecare sezon, unele cultivatorii Poinsettia ntlni
pierderi de recolte, ca urmare a Pythium rdcin rot. n funcie de
circumstanele n ser special, cateva plante pot fi afectate sau un procent foarte
ridicat de cultura poate fi pierdut. Pythium atac de obicei, la nceputul sezonului
(3), la scurt timp dup butai au fost turnate. Grav afectat butai nrdcinai Wilt
i mor repede. Baza de tiere este maro si are un aspect mbibat n ap. Cluul
i orice noi rdcini la baza tierii asemenea devin maronii. Creterea plantelor
infectate care supravietuiesc este pipernicit (Fig. 21) i aceste plante de multe ori
ofilesc (Fig. 22) n timpul cldura zilei i recupera pe timp de noapte mai trziu, n
sezonul. Rdcini infectate de plante stabilite sunt de culoare maro nchis la
culoare i straturile exterioare ale esutului rdcin se dezbrace de pe lasand un
fir gol de esut vascular interior expus (Fig. 23). Plante infectate care
supravietuiesc pana flori, de obicei, flori prematur i desfrunzi.

Fig. 21. Stunting of poinsettia growth (left)

Fig. 22. Wilted foliage of a poinsettia due to

due to Pythium root rot compared to

Pythium root rot. Wilted plants may recover

healthy plant (right) (click image for larger

at night (click image for larger view).

view).

Fig. 23. Roots of poinsettia with dark

brown discoloration and sloughed off
cortical tissues (click image for larger
view).

Fig. 24. Spherical oospores of

a Pythium sp. in the cortical cells of a

poinsettia root (click image for larger view).

O examinare a celulelor cortexului rdcinii relev adesea prezena oospores

sferice (fig. 24). Cu toate acestea, poate fi absent oospores i numai hife rare
sunt observate n rdcini. Atunci cnd astfel de rdcini sunt placate pe agar cu
ap sau un mediu selectiv (21,43), Pythium crete n termen de 24 irregulare
hourPythium i P. ultimum sunt specii comune gsite n rdcinile Poinsettia
(29,57), dar o examinare recent de izolate obinute din clinica probe din
Pennsylvania de la 1996 la 2001 a indicat c Pythium aphanidermatumaccounted
pentru 76% din cazuri putrezirea radacinilor Pythium (maur, nepublicat). n acest
moment, nu se cunoate dac poinsettias sunt mai predispuse la P.
aphanidermatum dect alte specii, whetherP. aphanidermatum este infectarea
butai timpul de propagare i este livrat din greeal n alte cultivatori sau dac
temperaturile cu efect de ser i a altor condiii de cultur utilizate n producia
de Poinsettia face mult mai probabil ca P. aphanidermatum va ataca cu succes
poinsettias dect alte specii.
Pythium inocul pot intra n sistemul de producie dintr-un numr de surse. n
cazul n care propagator de butai permite Pythium a infecta plantele n timpul
callusing i procesul de nrdcinare i infecii merge neobservate, butai apoi
infectate cu Pythium sunt vndute clienilor. Alte surse ale organismului includ
contaminat solul de sub i ntre bnci sau n afara ser, care este apoi mutat in
ghivece sau rezervoare de ap pentru irigaii sau pe banci sau podele de
inundaii. n cazul n care cultivatorul foloseste solul contaminat domeniu ca o
component a mixului nglobrii sau dac solul ghiveci tratate n mod
corespunztor este contaminat cu solul netratat, nu este neobinuit pentru un
procent foarte ridicat de cultura de a fi afectate. Cultivatorii care utilizeaz
amestecuri ghivece compuse din amestecuri de turba, scoarta, vermiculit, nuc
de cocos, arahide sau de orez coji, perlit, si alte materiale non-sol, uneori,
permite amestecul pentru a deveni contaminate cu infestate-Pythium sol din
sursele menionate mai sus. Este cunoscut faptul c turba pot adaposti Pythium
(45) i s-a descoperit c media pentru ghivece soilless comerciale conin uneori
agentul patogen.
Suprafata de alimentare cu ap, cum ar fi fluxurile i iazuri pot purta Pythium.
Cnd este utilizat ca surse de ap pentru irigaii, plantele vor fi inoculate
indiferent dac apa este aplicat prin aspersiune, prelinge, sau prin reflux i
sisteme n flux continuu. n sistemele subirigare, cazurile severe de pe ap
Pythium rdcin rot apar n operaiuni de angajarea ori lungi de inundaii (mai
mult de 30 la 40 de minute) sau n cazul n care pardoseli sau bnci inundate nu
se scurg complet i vase rmn n bli pentru perioade lungi. n timp ce este
cunoscut faptul c nari ciuperci i shoreflies sunt vectori ofPythium n unele
sisteme (31,32,42), importana acestui din producia vegetal ghiveci nu a fost
studiat. Factorii care favorizeaz dezvoltarea Pythium putrezirea radacinilor in
poinsettias includ niveluri excesive de ngrminte (51), un nivel de umiditate
ridicat de sol (2), i pH-uri de sol de mai sus 5.5 (1), atunci cnd este implicat P.
ultimum. Pic de lucru a fost fcut pe factorii care afecteaz alte specii cunoscute
pentru a ataca poinsettias.
Putregai rdcin Pythium este dificil de controlat dup ce a nceput. Toate
eforturile ar trebui s fie ndreptat spre prevenirea bolii nainte de a ncepe prin

eliminarea agentului patogen din sistemul de producie. Microorganisme

patogene amestecuri ghivece sunt eseniale n acest efort i a practicilor
generale de salubritate n ser ar trebui s vizeze eliminarea sau tratarea solului
care pot sferei de Pythium. Disinfesting suprafee banc, sistemelor de plansee de
inundaii, banci ghivece, unelte i echipamente care vor sa contactati amestecul
ghiveci este important. Dac iaz sau jet de ap este folosit pentru irigaii,
conducta de admisie trebuie s fie bine deasupra fundului, astfel nct
sedimentele s nu fie absorbit n. Dac alimentarea cu ap este suspectat de a fi
o surs de Pythium, poate fi necesar pentru a trata apa (22 ). Sisteme de irigare
n care apa neutilizat este reciclat, odat contaminate cu un agent patogen,
devine o surs continu de Pythium. Din acest motiv, EBB i sistemul de curgere
rezervoare trebuie acoperite pentru a preveni solului sau resturi contaminate de
la introducerea lor. Pentru a elimina resturile de plante, care pot port agentului
patogen din apa, apa ar trebui s fie trecut peste un ecran grosier nainte de a fi
revenit la rezervor.
ntr-o operaie de ser cu o istorie de putrezirea radacinilor Pythium, fungicide sau
ageni de control biologic ar fi aplicat ca la nceputul ciclului de trunchiere posibil.
Agenii biologici, inclusiv specii i tulpini de Trichoderma, Bacillus, Gliocladium, i
Streptomyces, pot fi aplicate pentru a se amesteca ghiveci nainte, n timpul sau
imediat dup transplant. n general, se recomand ca pesticidele chimice nu
trebuie aplicate pentru a se amestec ghiveci n perioada cuprins ntre 10 zile
nainte de a 10 zile dup aplicarea agentului de control biologic. Ageni de control
biologic i fungicide pot avea s fie aplicate de mai multe ori pentru a menine o
protecie adecvat pe parcursul sezonului, n special pe plante stoc. Mai multe
fungicide, inclusiv mefenoxamului / metalaxil, propamocarb, i etridiazol sunt
nregistrate pentru a fi utilizate pe poinsettias n Statele Unite Cu toate acestea,
unele populaii de P. aphanidermatum si rezistenta P. irregularehave la
mefenoxamului / metalaxil.
Rdcin Phytophthora, coroana, frunze, bract, i flori pacoste. Dou specii de
Phytophthora, P. nicotianae Breda de Haan (= P. Parasitica Dastur) i drechsleri P.
au fost recuperate de la poinsettias n sere n diferite locaii din Statele Unite.
Root, coroana, i stem putregai cauzat de P. nicotianae fost prima dat descris
de Engelhard i Ploetz n 1979 (27), i infecia foliare cauzat att P. nicotianae i
P. drechsleri fost descris pentru prima dat de Yoshimura i colab. n 1985 (58).
Rdcini infectate sunt de culoare maro i n funcie de condiiile de mediu i
vrsta plantei, infectie poate fi prezent pentru diferite lungimi de timp nainte
Wilt sau pipernicire se observ. Infecii la i deasupra liniei de sol se
caracterizeaz prin leziuni violet-negru, care se poate extinde rapid din tulpini la
Brack peiolele cauzeaz bracteele sa se ofileasca (Fig. 25). Leziunile frunze sunt
de hrtie ca i uscat n textur, maro gri la prima, de cotitur maro la negru.
Simptome pacoste produse de aceste dou specii sunt practic identice (58).

Fig. 25. Wilting of flower bracts and foliage due to stem

lesions caused by aPhytophthora sp. (click image
for larger view).

Att P. nicotianae i P. drechsleri sunt heterothallic, necesitnd A1 i A2 tipuri

genetice pentru a finaliza etapa sexual, i formeaz oospores cu perei groi
(28). Izolate singure produc uor sporangia asupra tesutului bolnave i sporangia
poate elibera rapid zoospores not, recolta este udata. Epidemii recente de
Phytophthora pacoste n faciliti de producie pentru floristica pe intreg teritoriul
SUA au fost cauzate de rspndirea unui singur neam clonal (de exemplu, de
spori i zoospores de la un izolat singlePhytophthora), inclusiv o epidemie n
Poinsettia cauzate de P. drechsleri (Lamour i Hausbeck, nepublicat) . Multe
instalaii de producie Poinsettia utiliza EBB i udare de inundaii strategii care
ofer oportuniti frecvente de rspndire a sporangia i zoospores la alte plante
ca recolta este udata. Perioada de incubatie dintre infecia iniial a unei plante i
simptome vizibile ulterioare prevede suficient timp pentru rspndirea de inocul
de-a lungul unei instalaii.
Strategii de control care previn infectiile initiale sunt cele mai eficiente n
limitarea dezvoltrii epidemii Phytophthora n Poinsettia. Acestea includ utilizarea
de ageni patogeni liber amestec ghivece i canalizare strict n instalaia de
producie. Fungicide metalaxil (supune) i, mai recent mefenoxamului (Supune
Maxx) s-au dovedit a fi foarte eficient n controlul Phytophthora mana de
Poinsettia (58). Cu toate acestea, izolate de P. nicotianae rezistente la cea mai
mare rata de aplicare a metalaxilului sau mefenoxamului au fost raportate de
instalaii de producie floricultur (30, Lamour i Hausbeck, nepublicat). Aplicarea
fungicid pentru plantele infectate cunoscute va crete ansa de a selecta pentru
izolate insensibili. Cel mai eficient mod de a opri o epidemie este de a elimina
toate plantele de la o zon de producie ntr-o instalaie, care au fost irigate cu
ap din rezervorul care colecteaza apa reciclat de la plantele infectate
cunoscute. Chiar plante sanatoase cauta pot fi infectate de salubrizare att de
stricte n urma unei epidemii este obligatorie pentru a preveni re-evenimente.
Rhizoctonia putregai stem. Stem putregai cauzat de Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn AG-4
este cel mai important boala care afecteaza Poinsettia n timpul propagrii.
Agentul patogen are o gam foarte larg de gazd, precum i o capacitate mare
saprofite competitiv. Aceast combinaie de caracteristici ofer o oportunitate
ideal att pentru infecia esutului gazd i colonizarea resturi vegetale, urmat
de supravietuire ulterior pe termen lung, fie ca miceliu sau sclerotia asociate cu
resturi de cultur. Cultivatorii pot practica canalizare strict dar de multe ori R.

solani devine un agent patogen indigene n faciliti de producie cu efect de ser

ca ciuperca supravieuiete ntre culturi n moloz infestate lsat n urm pe
banca, echipamente, etaj, pasarele, i chiar i n crevase pe banci de lemn.
Poinsettia pot fi propagate n benzi Penoplast nrdcinare 10 uniti, cuburi vata
minerala, sau blocat direct ntr-un amestec soilless ghiveci n ghivece.
Propagarea Poinsettia apare, de obicei, n lunile calde de iulie i august n ser n
condiii de umiditate frunze aproape constant de la sistemele de cea concepute
pentru a preveni tierea de ofilirea. n aceste condiii ideale, Rhizoctonia putregai
stem se dezvolta atunci cand resturile colonizate de R. solani este dispersat la
banda de nrdcinare cu ap sau prin alte mijloace de contacte stropire.
Simptomele initiale ale bolii sunt mici leziuni care de multe ori se dezvolta la
punctul de pe tija chiar cu suprafaa superioar a cubului nrdcinare. Leziunile
au un aspect uscat, cu o margine de culoare nchis i un centru de bronz (Fig.
26). Leziunile multiple pot dezvolta pe o singur tiere. Dac butai recent fcute
infecta, leziuni expandare girdling rapid tija i prbuirea de tiere n 5 pn la 7
zile (fig. 27). Butai care au fost n propagarea unei sptmni sau mai sunt mai
rezistente la R. solani.
Cderea frunzelor pe butai care n contact cu suprafaa banc, de asemenea,
pot fi infectate de Rhizoctonia adapostit in moloz reziduale. Zone infectate pe
frunze sunt de culoare maro si margele de latex alb de la gazd de multe ori apar
pe esutul infectat, n condiii de umiditate ridicat. Frunzele infectate sunt rapid
colonizate i s ofere o cale de intrare pentru tulpini pentru mai multe dezvoltare
putregai stem. Kituri ELISA comercial sunt disponibile pentru productori i
diagnosticians pentru a detecta R. solaniin esut infectat Poinsettia (5). Dup o
tiere ntr-o band de nrdcinare devine infectat, R. solani se poate folosi ca
tesutul bolnav ca o baz alimentar s creasc att la suprafa ct i prin banda
a infecta alte butai n 10 uniti banda. Sclerotia i hife pot fi vizibile pe
suprafaa cubului nrdcinare n special pe prile laterale expuse atunci cnd
capacul de protecie care deine banda este ndeprtat (Fig. 28).

Fig. 26. Poinsettia cutting with stem lesion

Fig. 27. Collapse of a poinsettia cutting with

in leaf abscission area (left) and close up

stem rot in a rooting strip. Other cuttings in

ofRhizoctonia hyphae growing out into

strip have visible stem lesions as well (click

rooting cube (right) (click image for larger

image for larger view).

view).

Fig. 28. Rooting strip removed from

protective plastic cover to
reveal Rhizoctoniahyphae growing through
strip (click image forlarger view).

Rhizoctonia coroan i putrezirea radacinilor. Putregai de rdcin se pot dezvolta

fie n cubul de nrdcinare sau pe butai nrdcinai transplantat la vase ca
recolta este terminat pentru retail. Rdcini infectate devin apoi maro mbibat n
ap. Att sfaturi rdcin i seciuni ale rdcinii departe de vrful poate
dezvolta simptome. Crown putregai se poate dezvolta pe tulpin ca leziunile se
extind de la infectii stem care apar n timpul de propagare. Cu toate acestea,
leziunile stem poate dezvolta ntr-un ritm mult mai lent pe plante nrdcinate,
deoarece acest tesut este mai ntrit oprit i, astfel, mai rezistent dect tulpini de
butai nou fcute. Simptome foliare de coroan i putrezirea radacinilor includ
cloroz, necroz frunze, ofilire, defoliere, i moartea plantelor, dar de multe ori
cel mai frecvent simptom este piticirea. Infecii putregai rdcin poate fi iniiat
de leziuni pe tulpini sau de la inoculare a prezentat la amestecul ghiveci de
resturi supravieuitor n ser. n general, pe carosabile umede umed, dar nu in
ghiveci mix dezvoltarea favoarea Rhizoctonia coroan i putrezirea radacinilor pe
plante ghiveci. Spaiere plante cu un baldachin plin aproape prea mpreun poate
duce la umiditate i sol temperaturi favorabile pentru dezvoltarea bolii din cauza
umbrire a suprafeei containerului.

Controlul stem si putrezirea radacinilor ncepe cu ndeprtarea complet a toate

resturile culturi din facilitatea de producie la sfritul unui ciclu de recoltare.
Salubritate suprafeelor zon de lucru i banc, cu dezinfectani suprafa este
important. n timpul de propagare, cicluri aburirea trebuie monitorizai cu
atenie pentru a se evita umezirea frunzele peste de butai dat butai nou
fcute deveni turgescente. Este nevoie de scouting zilnic de zone de propagare
astfel nct benzi de nrdcinare cu orice tiere care prezint simptome sau
semne de putrezire stem pot fi ndeprtate. Nu sunt butai nrdcinai dintr-o
band cu o tiere infectat ar trebui s fie transplantate de la agentul patogen
poate fi crescut prin cuburi de spum care rezult n butai aparent sntoi, dar
infectate, care nu va produce plante vandabile.
n instalaiile de producie cu efect de ser, cu o istorie de Rhizoctonia stem si
putrezirea radacinilor, nmuierea benzi nrdcinare uscate ntr-o soluie de
fungicid poate proteja butai de boala (4). Fungicide cum flutolanil, iprodion, i
clorotalonil mpiedicat de fapt R. solani colonizeze cub de nrdcinare (4).
Fludioxonil i noile strobilurine precum azoxistrobin asemenea sunt eficiente
pentru controlul putregaiului tijei (7). In general unul aplicarea fungicid este
suficient pentru a proteja culturile timpul ciclului de propagare. Deoarece unele

fungicide afecta numrul de rdcini formate pe butai, cultivatorii ar trebui s

testeze fungicid specific de combinaii cultivar pentru siguran nainte de a
utiliza un produs pe ntreaga cultur (6). Dup transplantare, fungicid Buturile
pot fi necesare la intervale regulate, pentru a preveni coroan i putrezirea
radacinilor.
n plus fa de fungicidele tradiionale, mai multe ageni biocontrol, cum ar fi
tulpini de Burkholderia cepacia, Paecilomyces lilacinus, i binucleate Rhizoctonia
spp. (BNR) au artat un potenial pentru controlul Rhizoctonia stem si putrezirea
radacinilor (11). Ageni de biocontrol comerciale menionate mai sus, de
asemenea, sunt disponibile, dei cele bazate pe Gliocladium virens sunt fitotoxice
la butai nerdcinoi Poinsettia (Benson, nepublicat). ntr-un studiu unic, o
aplicaie secvenial de B. cepacia a benzi de nrdcinare, urmat de
ncorporarea unei formulri Pesta de BNR n amestec potting la transplantul de
Poinsettia protejat de putregai stem in propagare i rdcin i stem rot de 52
de zile de la transplantare (38).
Concluzie
sezonului de producie lung pentru poinsettias (de propagare n lunile fierbini de
var pentru creterea vegetativ i apoi dezvoltarea flori bract n zilele mai
scurte i luni reci de toamna si iarna timpurie) ofer o gam larg de condiii de
mediu care pot favoriza o serie de boli. Am descris principalele boli Poinsettia,
care sunt larg rspndite n industrie. O serie de alte boli mai puin frecvente pot
cauza probleme semnificative pentru productorii individuali atunci cnd
condiiile de mediu favorabile prevaleaz. n plus fa de agenii biotici, practici
de fertilizare necorespunztoare poate cauza simptome in poinsettias. Un tabel
care rezum convenabil managementul bolilor Poinsettia i deficiene nutritive
este disponibil online la Universitatea de Stat Penn. O descriere inclusiv imagini
de tulburri fiziologice n Poinsettia din cauza fertilizrii necorespunztoare pot fi
gasite online la Universitatea Carolina de Nord de stat. Patologi de plante va
continua de cercetare i consultan pentru a oferi productorilor eforturile cu
cele mai bune strategii de gestionare a bolilor posibile, care va ajuta pentru a
pstra Poinsettia ca floarea de Crciun.