Isolation of monosporal strains of Fusicladium oleagineum, the fungal causal agent of olive leaf spot from North-Western Algerian groves

Abstract

Olive scab also called "peacock eye" desease caused by Fusicladium oleagineum (FO) is among the most important pathology of the olive tree (Olea europaea). Symptoms are initiated by the appearance of blackish circular spots on leafs, which turn to yellow and drop prematurely. Drastic foliar volume drop, shoots-death and general weakness of the tree leads to yield reduction. Under Algerian climate, the fruit is also infected. The scabbed olives eventually fall. This phytopathology known since 1923 was first considered of minor incidence. However, current intensive olive groves extension provides an ideal habitat for the FO development making it a major concern for farmers. Chemical or copper-based nature available treatments are source of pollution in ecosystems, although their limited effectiveness. Being biotrofic, FO has been poorly studied since in vitro cultures are hard to achieve. This work is related to isolation and conservation methods of Algerian FO native strains. This work would be a first step to a better understanding of the local FO agent.