Current Research Status of Fusarium Crown and Root Rot Diseases in Wheat-Growing Countries of North Africa: A Review

Abstract

Bread and durum wheat are the most important staple crops, providing 55% of the carbohydrates and 20% of the daily caloric intake for nearly 40% of the global population. However, yield losses in durum wheat can reach up to 56% due to reductions in grain yield and agronomic traits. Local wheat production is increasingly declining because of biotic and abiotic stress. The severity of Fusarium crown and root rot diseases is influenced by cereal mono-culture, specific agronomic practices, and the cultivation of susceptible wheat cultivars. The review highlights current research on the causal agents, economic importance, and management practices of Fusarium crown and root rot diseases in North African countries. The review will contribute to the study of these diseases in wheat.