Inflorescence Rot of Date Palms in the Mzab Valley (Northern Algerian Sahara)

The date palm heritage of the Mzab region is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and the presence of numerous cultivars. However, the palm groves in this area create an environment that is highly conducive to the spread of fungal diseases. This study investigates inflorescence rot in date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) within the Mzab Valley, a condition predominantly caused by the fungus Mauginiella scaettae Cavara. This pathogen may pose a significant socio-economic threat to oasis agriculture in Algeria. Field surveys were conducted at three sites in the Mzab Valley: Laâdira and El-Ghabet (Ghardaïa commune), and Ahbas (El-Atteuf commune). The study focused on six predominant cultivars of the region: Tamdjouhert, Tdalt, Tazerzayt, Ighes n Wutchidhen, Ut Qbala, and Deglet-Nour. These cultivars were monitored to assess their response to inflorescence rot, commonly referred to as El-Khamedj. Laboratory investigations included fungal isolation and detailed macro- and micro-morphological analyses.

The findings highlighted notable differences in the resistance and susceptibility of the cultivars to the disease. Deglet-Nour, Ighes n Wutchidhen, and Ut Qbala were identified as the most affected cultivars, while Tazerzayt and Tdalt exhibited greater resistance. Among the studied cultivars, Deglet-Nour from the Ahbas site was found to be the most vulnerable to inflorescence rot.