Temporal progress of teak rust in a tropical area of Tocantins State, Brazil

ABSTRACT Rust, caused by Olivea neotectonae, stands out as the main teak disease, causing premature defoliation regardless of the tree’s growth stage. In this study, we aimed to assess the temporal progress of rust in adult teak plants in southern Tocantins State (Brazil). Both rust incidence and severity were evaluated and the disease progress curves were obtained, adjusting to monomolecular, logistic and Gompertz mathematical models. Data from incidence and severity were correlated with climate variables collected by the agrometeorological station located in the study area. Rust incidence reached 100% at 98 days after beginning of the evaluations (DBE). The highest severity (equal or above 75%) was observed at 147 DBE. There was a significant and negative correlation between severity and minimum temperature. The adjustment of the Gompertz model suggests that control measures should be aimed primarily to reduce the rate of disease progress.