Castello, I.; Polizzi, G.; Vitale, A. Major Pathogens Affecting Carob in the Mediterranean Basin: Current Knowledge and Outlook in Italy. Pathogens2023, 12, 1357.
Castello, I.; Polizzi, G.; Vitale, A. Major Pathogens Affecting Carob in the Mediterranean Basin: Current Knowledge and Outlook in Italy. Pathogens 2023, 12, 1357.
Castello, I.; Polizzi, G.; Vitale, A. Major Pathogens Affecting Carob in the Mediterranean Basin: Current Knowledge and Outlook in Italy. Pathogens2023, 12, 1357.
Castello, I.; Polizzi, G.; Vitale, A. Major Pathogens Affecting Carob in the Mediterranean Basin: Current Knowledge and Outlook in Italy. Pathogens 2023, 12, 1357.
Abstract
Main pathogens affecting carob (Ceratonia siliqua) tree in the Mediterranean basin are described in this overview. The most widespread diseases periodically occurring on carob orchards are powdery mildew (Pseudoidium ceratoniae) and cercospora leaf spot (Pseudocercospora ceratoniae). The causal agents of so-called “black leaf spots” (e.g. Pestaliotiopsis, Phyllosticta and Septoria spp.) are responsible for similar symptoms to above mentioned foliar diseases but are reported on carob orchards with a negligible frequency. Likewise, canker and branch diebacks caused by fungal species belonging to Botryosphaeriaceae are almost never recorded. Among wood diseases that may compromise old or previously damaged carob specimens, “brown cubical heart rot” caused by Laetiporus sulphureus is the most widespread and recurrent issue; this pathogen is also well-known for edible fruit bodies that are also appreciated for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. On the other hand, “white decays” caused by Fomes and Ganoderma species are less common and reported for the first time in this review. Like-gall protuberances on twigs at uncertain aetiology or tumours on branches associated to Rhyzobium radiobacter are described although these symptoms are seldom detected as it happens also for necrotic leaf spots caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. ciccaronei. A list of worldwide pathogens not yet recorded but at high-risk potential of introduction in Italian carob producing area is also provided. Finally, some concerns are addressed to new phytopathogenic fungi vectored by invasive Xylosandrus compactus ambrosia beetle. Comprehensively, all described pathogens could potentially in near future become limiting factors for carob production, because they could be favoured by high-density orchards, increasing global network of trade exchanges and high frequency through which extreme events of climate changes globally occur. Thus, symptoms and signs, causal agents, epidemiology and whenever applicable recommendations for disease prevention and management are provided in this review.
Biology and Life Sciences, Agricultural Science and Agronomy
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