Isolation and Characterization of a New Microorganism From Moroccan Argan Forests Pestalotia Populi-Nigrae

Abstract

In Morocco, the species Pestalotia has not previously been reported or described on the argan tree. For the first time, Pestalotia populi-nigrae has been isolated from argan tree plants in the Province of Chtouka Ait Baha (Agadir). Samples from the leaves exhibited symptoms of chlorosis, leaf spots, needle burn, tip burn, and bud rot. The isolated conidia were observed under a microscope; they measure 23.64 µm in length and 9.57 µm in width. They are composed of 5 fusiform cells, straight and slightly curved, sometimes slightly constricted. The three intermediate cells are multicolored, with two darker cells (dark brown) and one lighter cell (yellow-brown). The two apical and basal cells are hyaline, triangular to conical in shape. The conidia have two to three simple setulae (usually three) measuring 33.06 µm in length and a short pedicel of 8.99 µm in length.