Interest in the cultivation of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) is focused not only on its commercial products but also on its role in maintaining ecosystems. Very few pests and diseases are known to affect it. However, in cultivated plots in mainland Spain, a high number of plants with symptoms of decline and death were observed. This damage occurred after a period of rain of 21 days in late spring, in tilled soil, and with plants grown from cuttings. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of the phytopathogenic fungal species Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium acuminatum, F. equiseti, and F. tricinctum, which were identified by ITS sequencing. These fungi, along with the agronomic and edaphic–climatic conditions, suggest an association of factors involved in the damage observed in the rockroses, pointing out the need to develop an integrated management strategy for this type of agroecosystem.
Plaza et al. (Fri,) studied this question.