Phytopathogenic nematode communities infesting Moroccan olive agroecosystems: Impact of agroecological patterns

Authors: LAASLI, SALAH-EDDINE - National Institute Of Agronomic Research Of Morocco (INRA); MOKRINI, FOUAD - National Institute Of Agronomic Research Of Morocco (INRA); IRAQI, D - National Institute Of Agronomic Research Of Morocco (INRA); SHTAYA, M - An-Najah National University; AMIRI, S - Ecole Nationale D’Agriculture De Meknes; DABAAT, ABDELFATTAH - International Maize & Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT); Paulitz, Timothy; KHFIF, K - National Institute Of Agronomic Research Of Morocco (INRA); LAHALI, RACHID - Ecole Nationale D’Agriculture De Meknes

Submitted to: Plant and Soil
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2023
Publication Date: 8/23/2023
Citation: Laasli, S., Mokrini, F., Iraqi, D., Shtaya, M., Amiri, S., Dabaat, A.A., Paulitz, T.C., Khfif, K., Lahali, R. 2023. Phytopathogenic nematode communities infesting Moroccan olive agroecosystems: Impact of agroecological patterns. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06190-5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06190-5

Interpretive Summary: Olive trees are one of the most important crops in Morocco, and they are vulnerable to various soil-borne pathogens that can cause significant yield losses and economic damage. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, abundance, and community composition of phytopathogenic nematodes in Moroccan olive agrosystems, and to evaluate the impact of agro-ecological patterns on their abundance. This study provides updated information and prospects into nematode sustainable monitoring and management in North African olive agrosystems.

Technical Abstract: Background and aims Olive trees are one of the most important crops in Morocco, and they are vulnerable to various soil-borne pathogens that can cause significant yield losses and economic damage. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, abundance, and community composition of phytopathogenic nematodes in Moroccan olive agrosystems, and to evaluate the impact of agro-ecological patterns on their abundance. Methods Soil and root samples were collected from 13 olive nurseries and orchards across Morocco, and nematodes were ecologically assessed through the calculation of several diversity indices (e.g., Shannon Index, Evenness, and Plant Parasitic Index). In addition, the main nematode genera were evaluated in terms of soil types, irrigation regimes and landscape complexity. Results The results revealed the presence of a diverse and complex community of phytopathogenic nematodes represented by 25 genera, including Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, and Helicotylenchus among others. The abundance and diversity of nematodes varied significantly between the different regions and agro-ecological patterns, with higher densities observed in simple landscapes and higher irrigation regimes. Moreover, the community of dominant nematodes was influenced by soil types. Root-knot nematodes were the most prevalent in sandy soils, while root-lesion nematodes were significantly present in the clayish setting. The occurrence and severity of nematode damage were also correlated with the overall taxonomic richness shaped in different olive landscape modes. Conclusion This study provides updated information and prospects into nematode sustainable monitoring and management in North African olive agrosystems.