ISHS Acta Horticulturae 912: V International Symposium on Pistachios and Almonds
PISTACHIO DISEASES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIAN REGION |
| Authors: | M.E. Guldur , M. Dikilitas , B.E. Ak |
| Keywords: | pistachio, fungi, wilt |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.912.110 |
| Abstract:
This study was carried out to determine the pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) diseases in southeastern Anatolia. A large number of samples showing various symptoms were examined in 2008. Several diseases were identified, some of which caused considerable damage. Microscopic examination revealed that Septoria leaf spot (Septoria pistacina All.), Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahlia Kleb.), fruit and panicle blight (Alternaria alternate (Fr.) Keissl.), nut mold (Aspergillus niger Link., Penicillium sp.), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium moniliforme Sheld.), and rust (Uromyces terebinthi (D.C.) Wint.) were present. Pathogenity tests were also carried out on fungi isolated from different plant parts: S. pistacina and U. terebinthi from leaves, A. alternate from fruit and panicle, A. niger and Penicillum spp. from nut, and V. dahlia and F. moniliforme from root. Paecilomyces spp., Cladosporium spp., and Stemphylium spp. were isolated from fruit and Thielaviopsis spp. were isolated from root. However, these fungi did not cause disease. Septoria leaf spot, caused by Septoria pistacina, is found in almost all pistachio-growing areas in the region and is the most common disease of this crop. Verticillium wilt caused by V. dahlia, on the other hand, was observed on young trees or new branches of fully grown trees. A new disorder was detected in the survey area that could potentially kill young trees or new branches of fully grown trees. The disorder appeared as a marginal scorching of leaves that began as early as June and continued to develop during the summer. A yellow band developed between the brown necrotic edge and the inner green tissues of the leaf. Symptoms appeared first on one branch or a portion of one scaffold. Over time, more and more branches of the tree could be affected until the whole canopy was involved. The causal agent of the disorder, called pistachio leaf scorch-like disease, has not yet been identified. Inappropriate agricultural practices and environmental conditions fostered various common aggressive diseases and unidentified or new diseases which may become dangerous in coming years. | |
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