Enhancing Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Resilience: Strategies Against Bayoud Spread in Moroccan Oases

Abstract

Abstract “Bayoud”, a vascular disease caused by the soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa), is the principal enemy of palm trees that puts at stake the future of the date palm industry in Morocco. The parasite attacks the palms through the roots and colonizes the entire vascular system, leading to wilt and ultimately palm death. Effective disease management is a major step towards the success of all sustainable development projects in the oasis. This review delineates diverse strategies for managing Bayoud disease, including prophylactic measures, chemical and cultural controls, genetic selection for resistant varieties, and exploration of biochemical and molecular markers. An integrated management approach was proposed that underscores early detection, sustainable agricultural practices, genetic resistance, biological control, community involvement, and continuous research and development. To contain the disease in already-infested areas and prevent its spread to new date palm plantations in oases.