Assessment of Sanitary Status of Certified Citrus Nursery Production in Souss Massa Valley, Morocco

摘要

The aim of this study was to assess the sanitary status of nurseries in the most important citrus growing area in Morocco (Souss Massa Valley). Samples were collected from the two main certified citrus nurseries and from the surrounding commercial citrus groves. Sanitary conditions of certified mother trees (budwood sources) were ascertained for the main virus and virus-like diseases through serological, molecular and biological assays. Furthermore, detection of Phytophthora spp. in rootstock rhizosphere and in the soil under the pots was performed by the soil dilution plate method using a selective medium. Seasonal variation of Phytophthora spp. was also investigated from March to July. The collected isolates were identified morphologically and also by molecular means using specific primers. P. nicotianae was the only species detected, which showed the highest inoculum density and root infection in one nursery in July. Both monitored nurseries were free from the investigated virus and virus-like agents, whereas the surveyed citrus groves around the nurseries displayed only infections with Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) and Citrus infectious variegation virus (CIVV).