Fungal pathogens associated with twig canker of shrub species in Tunisia: Considering the effect of the factors correlated

Abstract Decline phenomena of shrub species such as Quercus coccifera and Retama raetam have occurred throughout Tunisian forests since 2012. These evergreen shrubs long been regarded for their medicinal ecological interests. Therefore, preservation valuable forest resources is great interest. However, information regarding aetiology this disease still scarce. Hence, the aim study was to identify characterize causal agents associated with symptoms in two forests. Thirty‐eight isolates were obtained from symptomatic Q. R. twigs. Morphological characterization phylogenetic analysis internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster partial sequence translation elongation factor 1‐alpha ( tef1‐α ) allowed identification three Diplodia namely africana , D. seriata pseudoseriata . Our findings revealed that incidence significantly correlated altitude, temperature rainfall. Pathogenicity test showed all are pathogenic. be most aggressive toward first record fungal pathogen dieback on Tunisia.