Foot rot, caused by Phytophthora palmivora, is an important disease of papaya (Carica papaya). Disease control is of extreme importance to reduce losses and to increase productivity. Seven phosphites were tested in greenhouse using papaya seedlings (~ 10cm height) of the cultivar 'Tailândia Roxão'. Experiments were conducted with the following objectives: to determine the most effective method for phosphite application (spray or drench) to reduce disease; to determine the period for phosphite application before pathogen inoculation on plants; to determine the number of phosphite applications; to determine the effects of different phosphites on disease severity. Data from experiments showed that: spraying of aerial plant parts was the most adequate method for phosphite application; phosphites should be applied at least 48h before the inoculation of the pathogen on plants; two weekly phosphite sprays for three consecutive weeks before the pathogen inoculation on plants reduced disease, and; fosetyl-Al and all tested phosphites [phosphite A (40% P2O5 + 20% K2O, 150mL c.p. 100L-1), B (40% P2O5 + 20% K2O, 250mL), C (10% P2O5 + 6% Ca, 400mL), D (20% P2O5 + 20% K2O, 200mL), E (40% P2O5 + 6% Mg, 150mL), F (30% P2O5 + 20% K2O, 175mL), G (20% P2O5 + 20% K2O, 200mL)] reduced disease severity.
Carica papaya; Phytophthora palmivora; phosphonate
