International publications

In Morocco, and particularly in the Doukkala irrigated perimeter, sugar beet rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a major limiting factor for the productivity of this crop. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the frequency of Sclerotium rolfsii infestation and the quantity of viable sclerotia in the soil on the

Tylenchulus semipenetrans is among the most damaging obligate plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in citrus. The use of chemical nematicides has successfully been used to lower the population of T. semipenetrans, but the repetitive use of these compounds can be environmentally harmful requiring the implementation of ecological strategies. The present study aimed at assessing the biological

The competitiveness of sugar beet in the Doukkala irrigated perimeter makes this crop the main one compared to wheat, vegetables and forage. However, the dominance of small plots drives farmers to practice 2 to 3 years rotation of sugar beet. This work, carried out on contrasting and representative soils between 2012 and 2019, aims to

The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei, and the crown rot fungus, Fusarium culmorum, cause tremendous damage to a wide range of grain crops, resulting in significant economic losses in the global yield production. The presence of both pathogens simultaneously in cereal fields puts more pressure on breeding programs, restricting new resistant cultivars to express their potential.

Citrus dry root rot caused by members of Fusarium species is among the most devastating diseases that delimits citrus production worldwide. The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of fungicides against Fusarium solani (as Neocosmospora solani) and Fusarium spp. associated with citrus dry root rot in Morocco. Thirty-two isolates from different regions of Morocco

Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) or prickly pear cochineal, is the most damaging pest on cactus species with heavy economic losses worldwide. The efficacy of two Moroccan EPN isolates; Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) (applied at 25, 50, and 75 IJs cm−2) against D. opuntiae nymphs and young females

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are found in citrus plantations throughout the world, but they are considered to be the most problematic pest in Morocco. Citrus fruit quality and yield have been adversely affected by PPNs. Due to data unavailability of nematodes associated with citrus, a detailed survey was conducted in the main citrus-growing regions of Morocco

The flatheaded root-borer Capnodis tenebrionis (Linné) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) causes serious damage to stone fruit trees in Mediterranean countries. The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is an eco-friendly tool that can efficiently control C. tenebrionis. In this study, the efficacy of five EPN isolates native to Morocco was assessed against different developmental stages of C. tenebrionis

A total of 49 bacterial isolates were collected from the sugar beetrhizosphere in two regions of Morocco (Kenitra and Meknes). These bacteria were tested for their inhibitory activity against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., the causative pathogen of damping-off and root rot of sugar beet. Ten isolates showed a high ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of

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 regardingnematode biodiversity associated with cereal crops in Morocco, a survey was conducted in 2019across 80 wheat fields. Thirty-three nematode taxa were obtained with different trophic groups:11 bacterivores (i.e., Rhabditis