First report of Fusarium verticillioides causing Fusarium wilt on pistachio trees (Pistacia vera)

Branch dieback and general decline have been observed in pistachio orchards with trees of different ages in Iran. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize putative pathogens causing the symptoms. Isolations from rotted roots yielded predominantly Fusarium species. The causal agent was identified as Fusarium verticillioides based on morphological characteristics, sequencing of TEF1-α, and resultant symptoms and reisolation of the fungus in a pathogenicity test using 5-month-old pistachio seedlings (cv. Badami-Zarand). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium verticillioides causing Fusarium wilt on Pistacia vera.