MARASMIELLUS PALMIVORUS AS A NEW CAUSAL AGENT OF REED WILT DISEASE IN IRAQ

Abstract

Background: Reed plants are widely distributed in Iraq and responsible to invade irrigation channels and drainage
systems. Aim: The present study was designed to identify and characterize the causal agent of reed wilt disease.
Methods: Disease symptoms, characteristics and growth pattern of causal agent were investigated.
Results: Reed wilt disease has been observed during the survey which was held at the end of October 2016. The
percent of natural infection of this disease was found in the range of 7-18%, the causal agent was identified as
Marasmiellus palmivorus based on macro and microscopic characteristics. Microscopic observation of M.
palmivorus revealed the engendered white cottony mycelia turned to creamy with clamp connection. Radial growth
of this fungus was greatly varied according to the type of additives supplemented in the growth media and results
were as following: M. oleifera (7.8 cm) > wheat (7.7cm) > Reed (7.4 cm) > millet (6.8 cm) > Caladium (6.7 cm) >
PDA (5.86 cm) > onion (2.94 cm).
Conclusion: The results of present study concluded that M. palmivorus was recorded as the causal agent of wilt
disease on reed plant for the first time in Iraq and possibly for other countries as far as we know. Also, this fungus
could be act as bio-herbicidal against reed plants, but more attention should be paid to this point.