Fusarium wilt of blackberry (FWB) is an emerging disease caused by a Fusarium oxysporum species complex. More than 3000 ha of blackberry (Rubus spp.) crops have been lost in Mexico since 2011. The objectives of this research were: (i) to evaluate the sensitivity of pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates recovered from symptomatic blackberry plants to fungicides with different modes of action, (ii) to assess the potential of these fungicides and plant resistance inducers against FWB in the greenhouse, and (iii) to determine the effects of commercial biofungicides and two indigenous strains of Trichoderma spp. on the incidence of FWB. The EC50 values of the fungicides prochloraz, thiabendazole, azoxystrobin, thiophanate-methyl, difenoconazole, triflumizole, and potassium phosphite for six pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates were determined. In a separate experiment, the fungicides acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), potassium phosphite, and commercial biofungicides, as well as two soil microbial inoculants and two indigenous Trichoderma strains, were tested for protection against wilt development in blackberry plants in the greenhouse. Prochloraz showed an average sensitivity for EC50 of 0.01 μg ml−1 for the tested F. oxysporum isolates, followed by difenoconazole and thiabendazole. Prochloraz and ASM proved to be the most effective treatments in the greenhouse. In contrast, potassium phosphite was ineffective in both the in vitro and in vivo experiments. The soil bioinoculants MicroSoil®, Baktillis®, T. koningiopsis, and T. asperellum significantly reduced the incidence of disease in the greenhouse. These results provide evidence for the potential of the various tools as useful components of integrated FWB management in the field.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of okra fruit[Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.], an endemic crop of the Afro-Mexican region, inthe dry tropics.Design/Methodology/Approach: Materials were collected in Cuajinicuilapa, in thestate of Guerrero in Mexico. Using a completely randomized design (CRD), 4 repetitionsof 100 fruits were selected, and each was evaluated for the following: weight, number,size and shape of fruits and seeds. Data were analyzed using measures of centraltendency, utilizing SAS.Results: The fruits are heterogeneous and some are deformed, they have a long andfluted shape, with an average weight of 10.4 g and 95 seeds each weighing 0.05 g. Theseeds are round with a conical micropyle, the testa is dark grey, and the embryo white.Study Limitations/Implications: It is necessary to keep studying the morphologicalcharacteristics of okra fruit for a longer period of time and to establish farming in orderto widen the outlook of decision making. Findings/Conclusions: Okra fruits from backyard farming have better quality andpotential for fresh or processed consumption. There is a lack of management andimprovement of this crop.

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