Abstract

Susceptibility of 20 cultivars of holiday cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) to three fungal pathogens (Drechslera cactivora, Fusarium oxysporum, and Phytophthora parasitica) and one bacterial pathogen (Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora) was evaluated. Significant differences in disease severity among cultivars occurred in 11 of the 12 tests with some cultivars responding consistently to one or more pathogens. ‘Gold Charm’ was highly susceptible to all four pathogens tested. ‘White Christmas’ developed low levels of disease when inoculated with either D. cactivora or E. carotovora subsp. carotovora but intermediate levels when inoculated with F. oxysporum or P. parasitica. ‘Peach Parfait’ showed one of the lowest levels of resistance to D. cactivora but one of the highest levels of resistance to F. oxysporum. Other cultivars showed intermediate disease responses; however, results were not consistent.