Fungal Species Carried by Corms Intended for Saffron Cultivation in Morocco

Abstract

The examination of corm samples collected from farmers cultivating saffron in Morocco revealed that 5 to 10% of the corms exhibited various symptoms of infection. These symptoms were associated with a diverse complex of fungi, indicating a widespread presence of fungal pathogens. The species within this complex typically belong to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma, all known for their pathogenic or antagonistic roles in plant health. Notably, species such as Penicillium egyptiacum, P. aeris, Setosphaeria rostrata, Albifimbria sp., Monocillium sp., Trichoderma asperellum, and Trichoderma sp. were identified on saffron corms for the first time. Additionally, other species, including Aspergillus nomius, A. ochraceus, A. versicolor, Botrytis sp., Fusarium equiseti, and Ulocladium atrum, were also detected on saffron corms in Morocco for the first time. Fungal pathogens, particularly those from the genera Fusarium and Botrytis, can adversely affect the development of new corms, compromising viability, plant propagation, and overall saffron yield