Effects of Some Fungicides and Foliar Fertilizers on Epiphytic Fungal and Yeast Population of Citrus Leaves

In this study, the effects of some commonly used fungicides (Copper hydroxide, Diphenoconazole+Propiconazole, Iprodione, Mancozeb, Metiram and Propineb) and foliar fertilizers (Zinc, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and Urea) were examined on phyllosphere microorganisms population on citrus leaves. As a results of the isolations from the leaves, mostly Cryptococcus spp. and Sporobolomyces spp. And Cladosporium spp. and Aureobasidium spp. were obtained in less rates. Mancozeb and Copper hydroxide had the greatest impact on mycoflora. During the period of these fungicide applications, fungal population decreased by approximately 50-fold. Effects of these fungicides continued up to 6 months after application. Diphenoconazole+Propiconazole and Iprodione had no significant effect on the fungal population. Effect of Metiram and Propineb fungicides disappeared after 2 months of applications. Although foliar fertilizers seemed to have a negative impact on fungal populations, repeated applications increased the mycoflora. Especially foliar fertilizers such as zinc and phosphorus remarkably increased Sporobolomyces species.