ITS sequencing; Olea europaea; oomycetes; pathogenicity; Phytophthoraspp; Pythiums.l. spp; root rot; Food Science; Agronomy and Crop Science; Plant Science
Abstract :
[en] The olive tree is one of the most important fruit crops grown in Morocco, yet extensive decline associated with the root rot of this crop has been observed in many regions. This study aimed to identify and characterize the oomycetes associated with root rot disease in olive trees. During the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons, symptomatic root tissues and soil samples were collected for isolation. Based on morphological traits and the sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, 10 oomycete species were identified, belonging to the Phytophthora and Pythium sensu lato (s.l.) genera. Seven species were assigned to Phytophthora, namely, P. palmivora, P. plurivora, P. acerina, P. oleae, P. cactorum, P. gonapodyides, and P. megasperma. The Pythium s.l. genus was represented by three species, including P. schmitthenneri, P. aphanidermatum, and P. irregulare. A pathogenicity assay was conducted by soil infestation to evaluate the effect of these pathogens on one-year-old olive saplings (var. Picholine Marocaine). Results revealed that all 10 species were pathogenic to olive saplings. Inoculated saplings exhibited symptoms, such as root rot, vascular discoloration, and wilting. The pathogens were successfully re-isolated from necrotic roots, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. These findings highlight the complex etiology of root rot disease in olive trees, as multiple species can induce similar symptoms. This study represents the first detailed report of Phytophthora and Pythium s.l. species associated with olive root rot disease in Morocco.
Disciplines :
Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Legrifi, Ikram; Phytopathology Unit, Department of Plant Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, Meknes, Morocco ; Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco
Lazraq, Abderrahim ; Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco
Al Figuigui, Jamila; Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco
Belabess, Zineb ; Plant Protection Laboratory, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Meknes, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Meknes, Morocco
El Jarroudi, Moussa ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences et gestion de l'environnement (Arlon Campus Environnement) > Eau, Environnement, Développement
Lahlali, Rachid ; Phytopathology Unit, Department of Plant Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, Meknes, Morocco
Language :
English
Title :
Characterization of Phytophthora and Pythium Species Associated with Root Rot of Olive Trees in Morocco
This work was supported by the Phytopathology Unit of the Department of Plant Protection-Ecole Nationale d\u2019Agriculture (Meknes). Financial support has been provided to SIRAM by PRIMA and MESRSI (Morocco), a program supported by H2020, the European Programme for Research and Innovation.
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