Pistachio gummosis disease caused by Phytophthora species and its control management with soil solarisation method in...

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is the most important commercial product in Iran and root rot or crown rot (Gummosis) is the most serious diseases of this crop. During 2005-2007 Infected trees of Pistachio orchards were visited and plant samples plus soils around the infected trees collected from Kerman province in Iran. Samples were transferred to laboratory and cultured on common medium and using citrus leaves pieces as baits on water-saturated soils. Different Phytophthora species were isolated and studied to be identified. Three Phytophthora species including P. megasperma, P. drechsleri and P. citrophthora were the principal cause of pistachio gummosis and root rot in Iran. However, Phytophthora pistaciae as new species was introduced as aggressive species to different Pistachio cultivars. Since chemical control was not property managed the disease, soil disinfestations by soil solarisation method was carried in Kenrman as the nearly warmer climate in studied areas to manage the pathogen. Application of this method reduced population density of the pathogen from 1300 to 200 CFU -g/soil after 6 weeks. This method was effective, non negative side and economic which can be used in all agricultural areas.