First report of Pseudocercospora cladosporioides, the causal agent of Cercospora leaf spot of olive trees, in Tunisia

Abstract

Olive trees (Olea europaea) cv. Meski having leaves with yellow spots on the upper surface and grey blotches on the lower surface were found in three orchards located in the regions of Takelsa, Testour and Enfidha, central and northern Tunisia. The shoots of the olive trees had also become defoliated indicating a severe attack of a pathogen. Pseudocercospora cladosporioides was isolated from symptomatic leaves and Koch’s postulates were fulfilled. This is the first Tunisian report of P. cladosporioides causing Cercospora leaf spot of olive trees.