Management of Pests and Pathogens Affecting Citrus Yield in Egypt with Special Emphasis on Nematodes

Abstract

Although citriculture ranks high in Egypt as a superior orange producer and exporter country, citrus yield should be further optimized via management of pests and pathogens that adversely affect citrus orchards. We throw light on the various groups of these citrus-damaging organisms to alarm for the significance of adopting adequate programs for their control. As many plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) species in Egypt and abroad; all but one, the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans, of which are of limited distribution, this species was addressed herein in details. The citrus nematode could significantly reduce lemon yield. Before nematicidal application, growers and stakeholders should adopt strict quarantine and seedling certification programs, consider the limiting factor principle, and use appropriate nematode sampling and extraction methods. Moreover, bionematicides should be earnestly tried among other PPN management options in order to avoid human health hazards and attain pollution-free environment. Yet, holistic management should include not only nematodes but also other pests and pathogens of citrus in Egypt. We highlighted general production practices that should adequately tackle relevant citrus problems.

Nematode–citrus plant interactions: host preference, damage rate and molecular characterization of Citrus root nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans

“…The citrus slow decline nematode, T. semipenetrans, is one of the main biotic stress factors for yield loss in citrus orchards around the world (O'Bannon & Hutchinson 1974;Bello et al 1986;Duncan & Cohn 1990;Duncan 2009;Hammam et al 2021). The present survey confirmed occurrence of this citrus nematode in Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana, and Mersin provinces in the Mediterranean region of Turkey (Table 2).…”

“…1986; Duncan & Cohn 1990; Duncan 2009; Hammam et al . 2021). The present survey confirmed occurrence of this citrus nematode in Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana, and Mersin provinces in the Mediterranean region of Turkey (Table 2).…”

Occurrence and Geographic Distribution of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Citrus in Morocco and Their Interaction with Soil Patterns

“…This prevalence of Meloidogyne spp. was lower than that in Egyptian citrus orchards intercropped with tomato [ 8 ], which implies the decent linkage between these nematodes and citrus crops rather than its presence in intercropped trials with native hosts or in weeds. Several studies recorded in Taiwan and India have reported that Meloidogyne spp.…”

“…and Longidorus spp. have been detected in Egypt [ 8 ], Spain [ 12 ], and Tinsukia [ 42 ]. In our study, S. bradys and H. indicus were found at low densities that varied between two and four nematodes per 100 g of soil and between two and seven nematodes per 100 g of soil, respectively.…”

“…For example, the spread of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) harms citrus quality and yield [ 4 ]. Several species of PPNs have been found in the rhizosphere of citrus plants [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Tylenchulus semipenetrans , Radopholus similis , Pratylenchus coffee , Longidorus , Hoplolaimus , Helicotylenchus , Belonolaimus longicaudatus , and Meloidogyne spp.…”