Fusarium nirenbergiae (Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex) Causing the Wilting of Passion Fruit in Italy
, Alberto Fiorenza, Giuseppa Rosaria Leonardi, Alessandro Vitale * and Giancarlo PolizziRound 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This paper reports the presence and pathogenicity of F. nirenbergiae in passion fruit production in Italy. This pathogen has potential to be a significant limitation in production. Methods are appropriate and Koch's postulates are established demonstrating the pathogen as the causative agent for symptomatology observed.
I have no objections to the presented methodology or conclusions. However, there are significant deficiencies in language that a full review and correction should be conducted prior to acceptance of this paper. For example:
10 - emerging crops
11- an ornamental evergreen
12 - two-year-old
13 - production areas
19-22 - To our knowledge this is the first report of Fusarium wild on passion fruit casued by Fusarium nirenbergiae. This report focuses on the phytopathological implications this fungal pathogen may represent a future significant threat for expanding passion fruit production in Italy and Europe.
29 destined for fresh consumption
31 commodities
31 It originated
32 and is now extensively cultivated worldwide
34 vines?
35 as a fruit crop
45 reduces yields
46 pathogens
47 first reported
47-48 - spread worldwide
56 production areas
63 - Is this 10 percent of plants?
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your effort and suggestions. All suggested corrections were performed throughout entire manuscript that was also re-read and checked for the language.
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript is otherwise OK, but I think that Plants is not a suitable journal for this kind of plant disease report. A plant pathology journal, in which it is possible to publish short communications or disease reports, would be more suitable for this kind of manuscript.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for the comment and suggestion but considering Section “Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions” and Special Issue “Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases” my coauthors and I think topic can fully accomplish the aims of Plants
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper is well written and the conclusions are well supported by the results.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer 3,
Thank you for the positive comment. Regarding required “English language and style are fine/minor spell check” my coauthors and I provided some corrections throughout entire manuscript as well as also required by Reviewer 1
