Phymatotrichopsis root rot and its biological control in the pecan tree in Mexico

In Mexico, phymatotrichopsis root rot is regarded as the most important disease in the pecan tree. Its causative agent is the fungus Phymatotrichopsis omnivora (Duggar) Hennebert, and the percentage of diseased trees ranges between 3 to more than 25% in a plantation. Symptoms vary from mild damages to the death of the infected tree. The roots invaded by the fungus die with the consequent reduction of the foliage. Chemical control is one of the most used methods to control this pathogenic fungus, but it is expensive and not very efficient, so it is necessary to try other methods such as antagonistic fungi, resistant varieties, plant extracts, among others that have been shown to have some effectiveness, and to design an integrated management program for the pest. For all the reasons stated, the objective of this review was to address the most current aspects of the disease and its biocontrol in Mexico.