Production and germination of oospores of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in Morocco

Abstract

One hundred and eight isolates of Phytophthora infestans were collected from infected potato and tomato crops in the middle-north of Morocco during 1997–2000. Pairings of these isolates with tester isolates of mating type A1 and A2 revealed that 60% of the isolates were mating type A2 (65/108) and 40% were mating type A1. After 10 days incubation at 20 °C and a 16-h photoperiod, approximately 25% and 18% of the oospores produced in-vitro germinated in potato soil extract and potato root extract, respectively. Oospores were observed in potato leaf tissues in pairings that were fertile in-vitro. Maximum production of oospores was obtained in potato leaves of cultivars that were moderately susceptible (Desiree, Nicola) after 10 days of incubation at 15 °C and a 16-h photoperiod. These results confirm the presence of P. infestans strains that are sexually compatible under Moroccan climatic conditions. Production of oospores constitutes a threat for these crops because of the occurrence of recombinants with new virulences which may be difficult to control and as a consequence survival of oospores in absence of the host plant in the soil.