Fungal diseases of vegetable crops in Albania

Abstract

A preliminary investigation on the frequency and intensity of fungal diseases in the most important Albanian vegetable crop-growing areas was conducted in 2000 and 2001. Severe attacks of Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., Botrytis cinerea, Didimella lycopersici, Alternaria spp. and Cladosporium fulvum occurred annually. Crown and root rot were frequent and sometimes severe in the field as well as in greenhouses. In the districts of Lushnjë, Fier and Durrës, attacks by Pyrenochaeta lycopersici were common. Pseudoperonospora cubensis was very frequent and severe in greenhouse-grown cucurbits, especially in spring. Some considerations about the future of Albanian horticulture and strategies for control are also offered.