Causal agents of powdery mildew on Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) cuf. and Moringa oleifera lam. in Ethiopia

Abstract

Moringa Adans. is a tropical plant genus belonging to the plant family Moringaceae, consisting of 13 species, all naturally growing and some of these cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. Species of Moringa are multipurpose trees of significant economic importance with vital nutritional, industrial, and medicinal applications. Therefore, the health of the trees is of utmost importance, but there is no methodology for its protection. The objective of the work was to investigate the spectrum of pathogens of the order Erysiphales (powdery mildews) on leaves of Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cuf. and Moringa oleifera Lam. in the district (woreda) Arba Minch Zuria in Ethiopia, growing on a plantation and on native, freely growing trees in the area. Morphological examination and molecular PCR assay were used to determine powdery mildews from Moringa spp. Results show the presence of pathogen Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud on Moringa stenopetala on the plantation as well as on the leaves of freely growing trees. On Moringa oleifera, PCR analysis supported the presence of the pathogen Erysiphe aquilegiae DC. Additionally, the symptoms of the pathogens were described for possible control management in intensive production of Moringa plants.