Abstract:[Background] ‘Manaohong’, a cherry variety widely cultivated in Guizhou, is popular among consumers. However, fruit losses due to microbial infection have aroused wide concern in large-scale production. [Objective] To provide theoretical support for the control of pathogenic microorganisms during the large-scale cultivation of ‘Manaohong’ in Guizhou. [Methods] Prior to harvest, salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were applied as foliar sprays. Pathogenic fungi were subsequently isolated from the fruits of ‘Manaohong’. The fungi were identified based on morphological characteristics, molecular evidence (rDNA-ITS sequence), and pathogenicity tests. The inhibitory effects of SA and SNP on pathogenic fungi were assessed in vitro, and the effects of chemical fungicides on the two pathogens were examined in the laboratory. [Results] Two pathogenic fungal species in ‘Manaohong’ were identified as Diaporthe hongkongensis and Fusarium fujikuroi. Preharvest treatments with SA and SNP helped maintain fruit quality and exhibited inhibitory effects on surface microbial growth, while they showcased limited inhibitory effects on D. hongkongensis and F. fujikuroi. Laboratory tests revealed that several chemical fungicides displayed strong inhibitory effects on the two pathogens. Among them, 50% fludioxonil showed the strongest inhibitory effect on D. hongkongensis, with the median effective concentration (EC50) of 0.80×10−7 μg/mL, while 43% tebuconazole had the strongest effect on F. fujikuroi, with the EC50 of 0.094 5 μg/mL. [Conclusion] According to the findings, we recommended 50% fludioxonil and 43% tebuconazole as field control agents, in conjunction with preharvest foliar applications of SA and SNP. This integrated approach serves as a potential strategy for managing pathogenic fungi and supports the sustainable development of the ‘Manaohong’ cherry industry.
