Bayoud and Belaat diseases of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Figuig oasis of Morocco

Abstract

From 2016 to 2017, a survey was carried out during four vegetative cycles of date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Figuig oasis of Morocco. Two types of date palm culture were surveyed, that is traditional and modern plantations. The aim of the survey was mainly to explore date palm diseases, their incidence and geographic distribution in Figuig oasis. Results revealed the presence of two major diseases: the harmful Bayoud disease and Belaat disease. The rate of contamination of each disease reached respectively 3.38% and 3.31%. Spatial distribution of each disease varies for each one both in traditional and modern plantations, as shown in kernel density maps of diseases infestation. Bayoud disease spread more in traditional oasis. In fact, 60.96% of infested date palm trees by Bayoud disease were recorded in traditional plantations. On the contrary, in modern ones, Belaat disease was the main disease and the rate of infestation reached 67.13%. The survey also focuses on the influence of occurred farming practices in infested plantations which are often characterized by a lack of phytosanitary treatment, fertilization and weeding. Furthermore, pruning, gravity irrigation and the presence of underlying culture were also identified as increasing factors for pathogens dissemination.