First report of Alternaria species associated with black point of wheat in Tunisia

Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and the staple food for the Tunisian population. The main growing areas of durum wheat are located in the Northern part of the country, which is characterised by a sub humid climate favourable for fungal spoilage of grain such as Alternaria species. These species are able to produce plant pathogenic as well as toxic metabolites. For mycological analysis, the agar test was used. After mycelial growth, the Alternaria species were inoculated on potato carrot agar media. A PCR-based assay followed by a sequencing step allowed the identification of Alternaria alternata; Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria japonica from grains.