Integrated Control Protocol (ICP) of Ink Disease of Chestnut in Central Italy: Principles and Future Perspectives

Ink disease of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) caused by Phytophthora cambivora (Buisman Petri) represents one of the major threats of the cultivation in central Italy. Ink disease management largely relies on pathogen epidemiology. An Integrated Control Protocol (ICP), including management of superficial water flows, copper sulphate and metalaxyl applications, and potassium phosphite (trunk injections of potassium phosphite), has been applied in three areas in central Italy varying for location, extension, agricultural management and geomorphology. The monitoring of Phytophthora population during the protocol steps applications has been useful to identify the best combination and timing of the measures applied. One year application of ICP in larger areas resulted in a reduction of Phytophthora inoculum. Next two years perspectives will focus on the improvement of the ICP by strictly monitoring inoculum dynamic in treated and control areas.