PHYTOSANITARY DIAGNOSIS IN MELON AND PAPAYA CROPS

Abstract

The cultivation of melon and papaya in Brazil is becoming increasingly stronger and contributing to the increase in the Brazilian economy. These crops are affected by a significant number of diseases that may cause losses in productivity and fruit quality. In this sense, the importance of phytosanitary management arises to obtain productivity and quality of plant products intended for commercialization. Therefore, this article aims to acquire practical knowledge in relation to the recognition and diagnosis of diseases associated with papaya and melon crops. The melons and papayas were harvested from commercial farms in the rural community of Maísa, Mossoró-RN, and were then delivered to the Microbiology and Phytopathology Laboratory at UFERSA in Mossoró-RN. The results obtained from the analysis were considered positive for pathological agents in the melon and papaya crops, in which the disease known as fusariosis was contained in the fruits. As a result, this research provided a better understanding of the processes involved in the detection of plant pests and diseases. Furthermore, it enabled the acquisition of skills in conducting activities in the laboratory. The search for information and technical guidance is important to coexist with and overcome the various phytopathogens that affect papaya and melon crops.