INVESTIGATIONS ON THE CAUSAL AGENT OF SOOTY CANKER DISEASE OF DATE PALM TREES IN NORTHERN STATE

Abstract

The present work is concerned with the studies of the organism that causes Sooty Canker Disease in Date palm. A survey for the occurrence of this disease in the main growing areas in Northern State (Tangasi and Elgurair) River Nile State (Elbawga) was achieved. The loss of yield production by the disease was about 30-60%, as well as high loss of mature trees and off- shoots. Laboratory examination revealed a fungus that causes the disease. The isolated fungus was Nattrassia mangiferae that causes sooty canker disease. Physiological properties on the fungus were investigated. The best carbon source for growth was starch. The media PDA was ranked top for the growth of the fungus and the optimum temperature was 35˚c. Experimental design Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used to compare between two fungicides Tilt and Nimrod. The results showed that Tilt completely inhibited the fungal growth at 200 ppm and 100 ppm. The antagonistic effect of fungus Trichoderma viridae on Nattrassia mangiferae was investigated recored the result.