Phytosanitary state of annual aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.) culture in collection of Donetsk Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

In 2011–2013 a worsening of decorative qualities and seed production of Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees. culture was recorded, which necessitated detailed phytosanitary evaluation of collection. The pests and pathogens, which worsen decorative qualities and seed production of asters in regional terms, were identified. It was found that the negative impact on the culture of asters have larvae of snout moths (Homoeosoma nebulella Denis & Schiffermüller,1775, Pyralidae), to a lesser extent – larvae of owlet moths (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, 1805, Autographa gamma Linnaeus, 1758, Noctuidae), ectoparasitic nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus Filipjev, 1934, and tracheomycosis caused by imperfect fungi of the genus Fusarium Link. Also plants were exposed to viral infections. Preliminary information about the varietal stability of asters to fusarium was obtained, the groups of varieties with varying degrees of resistance to the disease were identified. It was established that lesion nematodes provides substantial invasive load on culture (average number of nematodes was 100 spec. per 100 cm3 of soil) and contribute to the spread of fusarium. The higher stability of the plants grown from seeds of Donetsk Botanical Garden collection to the complex disease (fusariumtracheomycosis) was noting. Probably this is explained by the formation of immunity to the “local” races of pathogenic fungus, as well as selecting for resistance in long-term cultivation of asters in Donetsk Botanical Garden. A stable and weakly susceptible varieties (50 varieties and variety samples), which can be considered as promising for cultivation in the regional context were identified. The methods of integrated protection from pests and diseases were proposed.