Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (FOP) is a significant and destructive pathogen of field pea in Algeria. In the present study, 50 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi, the causal agent of pea (Pisum sativum) wilt, collected from different parts of western Algeria and representing four races of the pathogen, were analyzed for virulence. The wilt incidence ranged from 6.66 to 88.33% on a highly susceptible cultivar (Little Marvel). Twenty-one isolates belonging to four races of FOP and one nonpathogenic F. oxysporum (FO) isolate were analyzed for vegetative compatibility in order to reveal the genetic structure of the population and to check the reliability of the method for the identification of physiological races of FOP. Obtained results showed that the FOP isolates could be classified into four main vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) that corresponded to races l, 2A, 2B and 5. The race 6 isolate fell into the race 1 VCG. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in Algeria of its kind.

A field experiment was carried out during three consecutive years 2008 to 2009 and 2010 to 2011 at two locations; one at University research centre and another at farmers' fields in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective of the study was to compare the conventional planting methods (22.5 cm) and broadcasting method of wheat sowing with drill planting method [15.0, 17.5, 20.0 cm and paired row (15:25 cm)] for grain yield and its parameters. The experiment comprised of six (15, 17.5, 20, 22.5 and 15:25 cm paired spaced rows and broad casting) treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications in a net plot size of 13 × 8 m. The results over the years of the study revealed that, the germination were statistically at par in drill sowing at 17.5 cm apart rows and broadcasting. Better plant height was noted in drill planting with 17.5, 20 cm rows and 15:25 cm paired rows. However, number of spikelets spike -1 and number of grains spike -1 were statistically similar in drilling at 17.5, 20, and 15:25 cm paired apart rows. Similarly, 1000 grain weight was recorded in drill sowing at 20 cm and 15:25 cm paired rows. The maximum grain yield was obtained through 15:25 cm paired rows drill planting method and it was statistically at par with drill planting method where row spacing was 20 cm. Whereas, drill-planting techniques with row spacing 15 cm was inferior to broadcast method. It may be concluded that, 15:25 cm paired rows and 20 cm drill planting method is suitable for wheat sowing in sandy loam soils of irrigated areas of western Uttar Pradesh.

Merzoug A., Belabid L., Youcef-Benkada M., Benfreha F., Bayaa B. (2014): Pea Fusarium wilt races in western Algeria. Plant Protect Sci., 50: 70-77.The fungus fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi (FOP), the pea wilt pathogen, causes appreciable yield losses under favourable environmental conditions in Algeria. Studies on the pathogen variability and distribution of races are essential to identify effective sources of resistance to this disease. In this study, a survey was conducted during the period 2007-2011 in four different agro-climatic zones. Pathogenic variability in 52 isolates of FOP, collected from different pea-growing areas of western Algeria, were evaluated using 7 genotypes as differential hosts. Results indicated that the disease was prevalent in all fields prospected and isolates obtained were assigned to Races 1, 2, 5 or 6 by their pathogenicity. It was found out that Races 1 and 2 were more common in all areas with 61.5 and 19.2%, respectively. This study is the first report of pea Fusarium wilt races distribution in Algeria.

Fusarium oxysporum (Schletend: Fr) f.sp. ciceri (Padwick) (FOC) is a soil fungus that is a permanent threat to the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) causing wilt syndrome. During spring of 2005 to 2009 surveys at three agro-climatic zones of north-western Algeria through seven sites. The presence of the disease was found in all the 50 fields chickpea visited. The pathogen, F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceri was isolated from infected plants harvested. Three types of symptoms are observed on chickpea plants in fields: Symptom-yellowing, Wilting and Root rot-that appeared in very wet conditions on few fields from locality: Tighenif-Maoussa-Field station (Mascara region). The means of incidence and severity of the disease were high in all regions. From region of the Mascara; the incidence was estimated between 5% and 54% for stage 2 branching, of 10% to 69% for stage prebloom, and of 54% to 98.33% in maturation stage. It was higher in dry years. The severity varies from 2 to 3.56 for the three stages and the index of the disease was evaluated between 2.5 and 68.77%. The average rating was drawn between 7 sites, were incidence varies between 50 and 100%, severity from 1 to 2.88 and the disease intensity index drawn between 15% and 62.5%. F. oxysporum was the main species isolated from diseased parts of the plant with an average frequencies of 43. 26% followed by Fusarium solani with 31.61%. F.culmorum F.equiseti ,Sclerotium spp.and Rhizoctonia solani ,are which part of the microflora isolated and could be responsible for various disease collar and root. The study of virulence on a susceptible cultivar that very susceptible to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri, ILC482 confirmed the presence of this special form.