Associated pathogens to the regressive death of Canary palm (Phoenix canariensis) at urban areas of Queretaro, Mexico

Abstract

The Canarian palm Phoenix canariensis palm has been severely affected during the past decade with high mortality of specimens of all ages in the metropolitan area of Queretaro, Mexico. The aim of this work was to determine the causal agent associated with the regressive death of P. canariensis in Santiago de Queretaro City. Therefore, inspections were made in order to find specimens with disease symptoms, and from the samples of rachis and apical meristem, pieces of tissue were left in wet chambers in order to promote of fungi and bacteria. A pathogenicity test from one isolate was done. A total of 262 palm trees were sampled: 95 without symptoms (36.3%), 122 death palms (46.6%) and 45 diseased (17.2%) with basal leaves death and flag leaf death. From 12 palms, Fusarium spp. (from the complex F. incarnatum and F. verticillioides) was molecularly identified. According to the morphological characteristics Erwinia sp. and F. solani were identified and with the last one pathogenicity test performed on twoyear-old palms. Also, the lethal yellowing disease was identified since an apical meristem sample was sent to the National Phytosanitary Reference Center. The results showed the presence of a complex of pathogens asscociated with the regressive death of P. canariensis.