Situation of phytosanitary problems of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in Morocco

The present study deals with the phytosanitary problems of blueberry in Morocco. This study is the first of its kind and aims firstly to determine the phytosanitary problems of blueberry and farmers' practices through surveys of national producers. Surveys of 44 blueberry producers in the Loukkos, Gharb and Souss-Massa regions covered 66% (927.5 ha) of the area cultivated by blueberry at the national level (1400 ha in 2017). The blueberry sector turned out to be highly developed due to the large presence (60%) of the large scale farms (> 20 ha) in the sample, especially since 66% of the farmers surveyed have a level of education higher than a high school degree. In addition, the entire sample is certified Global Gap while 84% is certified Tesco Nurture. The analysis suggests that gray rot, powdery mildew and root rot are the most prevalent diseases in farms with infection rates of 66%, 45% and 39% respectively. As of pests, the most important are Aphis spp. with an infestation rate of 82%, Dasineura oxycoccana with 68%, Franklienna spp. with 52% and finally Drosophila suzukii with 41%.

Key words: blueberry, phytosanitary problems, gray rot, powdery mildew, root rot, Aphis spp., Dasineura oxycoccana, Franklienna spp., Drosophila suzukii