Characterization of Fusarium species causing dry root rot disease of citrus trees in Morocco

Potential Role of Rhizobacteria Isolated from Citrus Rhizosphere for Biological Control of Citrus Dry Root Rot

“…Citrus is an important economic crop in Morocco, covering an area of 126.600 ha with a production of 2.6 million tons of citrus fruits a year. The annual exportation of citrus fruits to Europe and other western countries has reached 755.000 tons [ 1 , 2 ]. However, citrus plantations are threatened by several pathogens of which the Fusarium species, mainly F. solani , is causing citrus dry root rot (DRR) disease, which is responsible for significant economic loss [ 1 , 3 , 4 ].…”

“…The annual exportation of citrus fruits to Europe and other western countries has reached 755.000 tons [ 1 , 2 ]. However, citrus plantations are threatened by several pathogens of which the Fusarium species, mainly F. solani , is causing citrus dry root rot (DRR) disease, which is responsible for significant economic loss [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. In addition, Fusarium species can cause other serious diseases on citrus plantation such as twig rot, decline dieback, twig blight, and vascular wilt, thereby are a major threat to citrus production worldwide [ 1 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…However, citrus plantations are threatened by several pathogens of which the Fusarium species, mainly F. solani , is causing citrus dry root rot (DRR) disease, which is responsible for significant economic loss [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. In addition, Fusarium species can cause other serious diseases on citrus plantation such as twig rot, decline dieback, twig blight, and vascular wilt, thereby are a major threat to citrus production worldwide [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. Fusarium sensu latu was recently segregated into several Fusarium -like genera (i.e., Bisifusarium [ Fusarium dimerum specie complex (SC)], Neocosmospora [ Fusarium solani SC] and Rectifusarium [ Fusarium ventricosum SC] [ 7 ].…”

“…The pathogen penetrates citrus roots and cause root rot; the roots become blackened with discoloured peels and necrosis, and when the pathogen reaches the xylem vessels it leads to the weakening of the tree. The disease worsens with biotic ( Phytophthora spp., citrus tristeza virus (CTV), or attacks by pests such as nematodes (e.g., Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb), rodents, and insects) and/or abiotic (drought, root asphyxiation due to over-watering, high temperature, poor root aeration, and excessive fertilization) stressors [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…DRR disease is increasingly becoming an important threat to citrus plantations worldwide [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 8 , 11 ]. However, no curative control strategy is currently available to suppress this disease.…”