First molecular identification of Fusarium fujikuroi causing pollen rot of palm trees ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Iraq and evaluation efficacy of some nanoparticles against it

This study was carried out to identify the causal agent of root rot on date palm in major growing areas in Iraq. As well as, the efficiency of ZnO and MgO NPs were assessed against the pathogen. Microscopic examination and morphological characterization revealed that Fusarium sp. was present in all examined samples and was the most pathogenic fungi. The PCR specificity identification based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)/5.8S regions showed that the pathogenic fungus was Fusarium fujikuroi. The F. fujikuroi inhibited seed germination 53.55% compared with seed germination of 81 % in control. All concentrations (1,2,4 g/l) of ZnO NPs proved to be effective against F. fujikuroi particularly at concentrations 4 g/l with inhibition percentage exceeded 74.05%. Although, the same concentrations of MgO NPs did not show same inhibition capacity against the same pathogen comparing with ZnO NPs, they were significantly better than in control. The results indicate clearly to possibly to use the fungicides with ZnO and MgO NPs particularly at concentrations 2,4g/l in management of pollen rot of date palm trees. Information from this study might assist scientists to design effective strategies in controlling date palm diseases. (paper)