Plant Pathology Science

Review of New Approaches in Nematodes Taxonomy

MOHAMMAD ABDOLLAHI

Abdollahi M. & Fatemi E. 2017. Review of new approaches in nematodes taxonomy. Plant Pathology Science 6(1): 1-11.

Use of advanced methods in nematode taxonomy and biodiversity is growing rapidly. Because the morphological and morphometric characterstics of nematodes are not enough for accurate nematode identification, the modern techniques were estsblished to terminate the taxonomic challenging. According to the progress achieved, some new approaches such as molecular studies have enhanced the nematode diagnosis. Numbers of molecular techniques like RAPD, RFLP, AFLP, ISSR and SCAR have been established to give confirmation to traditional detection, especially for identification of undescribed species. In this review, every one of each new technique is discussed.

Grapevine Esca Disease

Mahdi Arzanlou

Narmani A. & Arzanlou M. 2017. Grapevine Esca disease. Plant Pathology Science 6(1): 12-21.

Esca is one of the most important and destructive diseases of grapevines worldwide, decreasing growth and yield in all stages of growth. Phaeoacremonium minimum is known as the main fungal species associated with disease, worldwide and its pathogenicity on grapevines have been documented by several studies in Iran. In the vineyards, infected plant material, soil and reproductive material are the main sources of inoculums. Pruning wounds are the main route for entrance of pathogen and infection. Seasonal and environmental factors such as stress and damage caused by freezing are effective on the symptom developed. Disease management strategies are mainly preventive with pruning and elimination of infected organs and treatment of pruning wounds with fungicides have been suggested.

Eight Useful Aspergillus Species

mehdi sadravi

Rahimizadeh M. & Sadravi M. 2016. Eight useful Aspergillus species. Plant Pathology Science 6(1): 22-32.

Aspergillus species are saprophytic fungi which can live on plant debris in the soil and water and also on some plant products, stored fruits and grains. They can be identified by studying the features of colonies, conidiophores, vesicles, phialids and conidia, on selective culture media. The biocontrol potential of some isolates of A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. piperis, A. repens, A. tamarii, A. terrus and A. tubingensis, against some plant diseases such as cocoa black pod, root galls and Fusarium root rot of tomato, Alternaria leaf spot, Fusarium dry rot, potato pink and soft rot of tubers has been proven. They also can act as plant growth promoter and aflatoxin reducer agent in seeds and nuts. Key morphological characteristics of these eight species of Aspergillus is described in this paper. Most of these species are reported from Iran, thus identification and application of their efficient isolates can be suggested in plant diseases management as well as the plant growth enhancement programs.

Phytophthora spp. Interspecific Hybrids and Their Danger for Agriculture

Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa

Safaiefarahani B. & Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa R. 2017. Phytophthora spp. interspecific hybrids and their danger for agriculture. Plant Pathology Science 6(1): 33-46.

Interspecific hybridization is an important evolutionary process contributing to adaptation and speciation. During the last decade, advances in the molecular taxonomy techniques have led to increasing the number of descriptors interspecific hybrids in the genus Phytophthora. In Phytophthora hybrids, inheriting and recombining genes from both parents may result in increased aggressiveness and broader host range compared with either parent. Some Phytophthora natural hybrids have also been reported in Iran to date. Consequently, identification, pathogenicity and host range tests of these hybrids as well as preventing the formation of new hybrids before experiencing large economic losses are recommended for management of plant diseases caused by this fungal-like organisms.

Situation of Potato Common Scab Disease in Iran

Aziz Bagheri

Bagheri A. 2017. Situation of potato common scab disease in Iran. Plant Pathology Science 6(1):47-56.

Common scab disease of potato has been reported from all of the potato growing regions of the world. Potato scab is one of the serious diseases of potato in Iran. Integrated disease management program on reducing the potato scab in the country, needs to verify the key factors affecting the occurrence and spread of the disease. Growing the potato plants in a soil with a neutral pH with a constant moisture, sprinkler irrigation, crop rotation and a good weed control program, especially against convolvulus, are effective methods for disease control. The use of organic fertilizers and the use of resistant varieties are recommended also. The importance of the bacterial scab of potato, distribution and intensity of infection, disease symptoms, factors affecting the disease severity, disease cycle, response of the common potato cultivars to the disease, the dominant causal bacterial species in Iran and integrated management of disease that were carried out in Iran and other countries, are described in this article.

Role of Soil Solarization in Management of Soil-Borne Diseases

ZABIHOLLAH AZAMI-SARDOOEI

Nowadays, control of plant pathogens and weeds is more difficult and expensive than in the past. In last decades, due to adoption of inappropriate management methods and excessive use of agrochemicals, the soil fauna and flora threatened. Accordingly, many of ecologists and plant pathologists tried to find some alternative methods of pest and pathogen control. Soil solarization is of these approaches that is widely used against soil pathogens. This is an ecofriendly and safe as well as low cost and efficient method which can be used to control the plant pathogens, pests and weeds. As a part of integrated pest management program, this approach applies the ecological principles to protect the environment and reduce the hazards of pesticides. In this review, we have described the history and benefits of soil solarization and also the principles of this method

Four Marigold Species as Control Agents of Root Knot Nematodes

Elmira Abootorabi

Abootorabi E. 2017. Four marigold species as control agents of root knot nematodes. Plant Pathology Science 6(1):68-79.

The Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major limiting factors in growing many agricultural crops. With the aim of producing a healthy crop, cultivation of some plants with allelopathic effects on nematodes is one of the most effective control measure against root knot nematodes. This method can be used as an excellent substitute of chemical treatment. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are herbaceous plants of family Astraceae with more than 50 species, can be used as ornamental cover crops. Nematicidal effects of marigolds on several nematodes had been proved. Marigolds produce alpha-terthienyl enzyme, which can control root-knot nematodes and other pests and pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and insects. It also has positive role in promoting growth of bedding plants. In this article, important marigold species including Tagetes tenuiifolia Cav., T. minuta L., T. patula L. and T. erecta L., have been introduced.