The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, is a deleterious pest worldwide affecting fruit production. The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a potential biocontrol agent that could be effectively used to control this Mediterranean fruit fly. In this study, five EPN strains reported from different fields in Morocco were evaluated for their efficacy against C. capitata. In laboratory assays, Steinernema feltiae-SF-MOR9, S. feltiae-SF-MOR10 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora-HB-MOR7 strains showed significantly higher infectivity and penetration rates when compared to the other strains. S. feltiae-SF-MOR9 caused the highest larval mortality rate (80%) at 50 infective juveniles (IJs) cm−2. However, additional results showed that both S. feltiae strains were significantly effective in controlling C. capitata larvae in apricot (Prunus armeniaca) fruits on soil surface with high mortality rate at 50 and 100 IJs cm−2. Different soil textures and moisture levels resulted in a significant variation in EPN strain virulence against C. capitata. Sandy clay loam soil in combination with 50 IJs cm−2 of S. feltiae (SF-MOR9 or SF-MOR10) caused a higher mortality rate of C. capitata larvae. Furthermore, applying these EPN strains at 50–100 IJs cm−2 in combination with 10–15% moisture level showed optimal results against C. capitata larvae. Therefore, those two Moroccan EPN strains could be used as promising eco-friendly biological agents against C. capitata.
SummarySaffron (Crocus sativus) fields in Morocco’s Taliouine and Taznakht regions were surveyed between January and April 2018 to study the diversity and incidence of plant-parasitic nematodes and assess the effects of soil physicochemical properties on the nematodes. Fourteen nematode genera were identified in soil and root samples collected from 66 saffron fields. The most common plant-parasitic nematodes in the Taliouine region were Pratylenchus spp. and Helicotylenchus spp. In the Taznakht region, the most common nematodes were Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp. and Ditylenchus dipsaci. Nematodes, particularly Pratylenchus spp. and Ditylenchus spp., were abundant and frequent throughout the region. Several nematode genera were significantly associated with soil texture and mineral content, indicating that soil properties play an important role in plant-parasitic nematode communities. This description of plant-parasitic nematode assemblages associated with saffron fields in Morocco and their relationship with soil physicochemical properties provides a starting point from which appropriate nematode management strategies can be implemented.
Soil nematodes are major soil organisms known to reduce wheat production worldwide. However, they are a crucial part of soil biodiversity. Due to the limited data available regarding nematode biodiversity associated with cereal crops in Morocco, a survey was conducted in 2019 across 80 wheat fields. Thirty-three nematode taxa were obtained with different trophic groups: 11 bacterivores (i.e., Rhabditis and Cephalobus spp.), 11 herbivores (i.e., Pratylenchus and Heterodera spp.), 6 fungivores (i.e., Ditylenchus and Aphelenchoides spp.), 4 omnivores (i.e., Dorylaimus and Aporcelaimus spp.) and one predator (Mononchus spp.). For each locality, the diversity of nematode communities was assessed through multiple diversity indices. Three areas (Ait Melloul, Oulad Dahou, and Sidi Boushab) were more diversified and had pronounced nematode occurrence. Moreover, few localities (e.g., Ait Amira and Lqliaa) were shown to be disturbed. Our study underlined that several nematode taxa were significantly correlated with edaphic and climatic/geographic properties. On the other hand, the spatial and parsimony analyses revealed that plant feeders were most associated with bacterial feeders in disturbed soils. This work revealed that the soil nematodes associated with wheat crops are diverse and can serve as an important tool for soil biomonitoring at a large scale.
SummaryThe root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei, attacks a wide range of crops and causes significant reductions in global grain production. Breeding programmes are currently restricted to using parents with moderate resistance to P. thornei as cereal cultivars with complete resistance are yet to be identified. This study evaluated 484 of CIMMYT’s spring wheat accessions for resistance to P. thornei of which 56 lines were pre-identified as resistant under controlled growth room conditions. These lines were further evaluated for their resistance and tolerance reactions under field conditions, where 14 accessions maintained their resistance and 16 were moderately resistant against P. thornei. Four lines gave excellent resistant and tolerance reactions to P. thornei. The relationship between the nematode reproduction factor (Pf/Pi) and wheat grain yield in field experiments fits a linear regression model. These findings could be useful for improving P. thornei resistance in wheat.
Organic farming has been increasing steadily over the last decade and is expected to grow drastically in the future. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are known as one of the most important pests attacking various plants in conventional and organic farming systems. A survey was conducted in January 2019 to determine the occurrence and diversity of PPNs, their associations with soil properties, and to assess their management methods in organically farmed fields in Southern Morocco. Twelve genera of PPNs were identified in soil and root samples collected from 53 organic fields, including Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Tylenchus, Tylenchorynchus, Criconemoides, Trichodorus, and Xiphinema. The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.) were the most prevalent PPNs. Vegetable crops (bean, onion, and tomato) had high nematode diversity indices compared to some aromatic and medicinal crops, including the Shannon, Evenness, and plant parasitic index (PPI). Our study underlined that several PPN genera were significantly correlated with soil physico-chemical properties, in particular, soil structure and organic matter. Therefore, it was concluded that soil properties have a considerable impact on PPN communities in organic farming systems located in Southern Morocco. There are numerous strategies for the control of PPNs in organic farming systems.
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