The Suspected Presence of Scab as a Potential Risk for Sustainable Pecans Production in Northern Mexico

ABSTRACT: Preliminary observations show that scab-like symptoms are present in pecan orchards in southern Chihuahua, Mexico. However, its presence has gone unnoticed by growers, who attribute the damage to zinc deficiencies. This disease can cause significant damage to trees and may represent a potential risk for pecan production. Two fungi were frequently isolated from the affected trees, Cladosporium-like fungus and Alternaria-like fungus, making it urgent to identify them using molecular techniques. The role of these fungi in the development of the disease—which commonly is attributed to Cladosporium spp.—should be determined through pathogenicity tests. The incidence and severity of the disease across the various growing regions must be assessed, and crop losses must be calculated. Research into disease epidemiology is also important for developing integrated management strategies that emphasize biological control and predictive systems.