Volume 4 Number SI2 2010
Tunisian Plant Science and Biotechnology II

Guest Editor

Mejda Daami-Remadi

Centre Régional des Recherches en Horticulture et Agriculture Biologique, Chott-Mariem, Tunisia

www.iresa.agrinet.tn/fr/instit/p_crrhab.htm

CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS

Chafik Hdider (Tunisia) Significance of Agronomic and Quality Attributes in Processing Tomato Varieties (pp 1-6)

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Invited Mini-Review: The tomato is one of the most extensively genetically studied food crops. For many years, breeding efforts have permitted the development of improved varieties for growers, processors and consumers. These improvements concerned adaptation to diverse climatic conditions and methods of production, resistance to disease, presentation, conservation and food uses. In addition, extensive efforts are currently under way to improve other valuable quality attributes of tomato and particularly antioxidants. The choice of appropriate varieties is one of the most important factors for the success of cultivation of tomatoes in general, and particularly processing tomatoes. For processing, suitability of the tomato variety to the final product is also of major importance for the industry. In the present review, we review the current knowledge and recent findings on tomato varieties in order to gain better insight and understanding on important agronomic and fruit quality criteria that affect the choice of tomato variety, particularly for processing.

Rafika Sta-Baba, Mohamed Hachicha, Mohsen Mansour, Hassan Nahdi, Mohamed Ben Kheder (Tunisia) Response of Onion to Salinity (pp 7-12)

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Original Research Paper: Germination responses to salinity levels were evaluated for eight days using the most frequently cultivated onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivar in Tunisia ‘Merveille de Pompeï’, an early white European variety with a flat bulb and small neck. Five salt levels were used with electrical conductivities (EC) ranging from 1.21 to 9.51 dS.m^-1. Germination percentage after 8 days was not significantly reduced at any salt level. These test results confirm that salt effects during germination are not related to later responses of the whole plant to salt. Screening onion for salt tolerance would best be done at the vegetative stage. In a second experiment, onion growth responses to salinity levels were evaluated in a greenhouse study in which the same range of salt levels was tested. Total number, height, fresh and dry weight of the leaves, fresh and dry weight of bulbs and fresh and dry weight of roots were measured during the growing season. Onion was sensitive to low salt levels. In the field, continuous irrigation of onion with water having electrical conductivities of 1.21, 1.45, 3.70, 6.21 and 9.51 dS.m^-1 resulted in severe die-off of transplanted seedlings in the salinized plots during the first 60 days of growth and consequently, in reduced yields of bulbs. Significant differences in both foliage and bulb weight were found due to the interaction between treatments and plant age. Observations of plant morphological and physiological behaviour under saline conditions were used to explain the effects of brackish water irrigation on onion yield.

Sofiane Abdelhamid, Naziha Grati-Kamoun (Tunisia), Francesco P. Marra, Tiziano Caruso (Italy) Genetic Characterization of Tunisian Olive Table Cultivars (Olea europaea L.): Inventory Based on Microsatellite Analysis (pp 13-16)

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Original Research Paper: Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an ancient crop which spread from the Middle East towards the western Mediterranean region. In addition to its agronomical and economical importance, the olive industry has a great social and cultural interest as part of our heritage. In order to characterize and to study the genetic relationship among cultivars, five polymorphic microsatellite loci were used in this study and were generated a total of 56 polymorphic alleles with an average of 11 alleles by locus. For all genotypes, the highest number of polymorphic alleles was obtained by the locus UDO043 and GAPU 103. The polymorphism index content ranged from 0.836 for the locus ssrOeUADCA-04 and 0.919 for the locus GAPU-103. The analysis of the dendrogram and the principal coordinates analysis produced by SSR markers grouped studied cultivars into four distinct clusters by cutting the dendrogram at genetic similarity value of 0.1. Accessions of ‘Marsaline’, ‘Fouji’ and ‘Fokhari’ are grouped in one clear cluster. ‘Zarrazi’ and ‘Meski’ varieties are grouped in separated clear class. The last group was formed by ‘Picholine’ and ‘Chemcheli’ varieties.

Mounira Harbi-Ben Slimane, Hager Snoussi, Rym Bouhlal, Hssan Nahdi (Tunisia) Ampelometry to Test for Genetic Diversity in Tunisian Vitis sylvestris (pp 17-22)

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Original Research Paper: An ampelometric method, based on the biometric study of parameters related to the adult leaves of the vine, was applied on 23 ecotypes of Vitis vinifera sylvestris collected in the Northwest area and the Cap-Bon peninsula in Tunisia. 33 foliar parameters were tested for 10 leaves representative of each ecotype. Direct measurements were used to calculate different indices and all the generated data was subject to principal component analysis (PCA). Our results showed that LN3 (distance between the lower side veins) and the leaf area are the most dispersed variables, their respective variation coefficients being 45 and 60%. The correlations of the 33 parameters studied for a coefficient higher than 0.70 and 21 degrees of freedom often appeared linear or polynomial. The study led to the identification of foliar parameters which are the most useful to differentiate ecotypes and the development of a phenotypic classification key. This key is determined by the matrix generated by PCA. This matrix constitutes a data-base for later phenotypical studies in the tested areas.

Mejda Cherif, Salah Rezgui (Tunisia) Genotype × Environment Interactions and Heritability Estimates of Agronomic Traits in Selected Tunisian Barley Cultivars (pp 23-27)

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Original Research Paper: Fifty-nine doubled-haploid (DH) barley lines derived from a cross between the two Tunisian cultivars ‘Roho’ and ‘Line 90’ were used to assess the genotype × environment interaction (G × E), heritability estimates and genetic correlations between nine agronomic traits. DH lines were planted in a randomised block design with three replications at Mograne during two successive growing seasons. Each line was scored for: heading date (HD), plant height (PH), spikes number per meter (SN), ear length (EL), number of seeds per spike (NSS), 1000-grains weight (TGW), biomass (BM), seed yield (SY) and harvest index (HI). DH lines exhibited better performance for seed production in the first experimental season and an earlier heading associated with a higher vegetative development in the second season. Pooled analysis of variance across environments indicated that the main effects of genotype and environment (year) were highly significant for all traits except SY. The G × E interaction was also highly significant for all the traits, except TGW. Broad sense heritability estimates for mean values across environments ranged from 0.33 for HI to 0.96 for NSS. Heritability estimates of NSS and TGW were the highest, those of HD, PH and EL were high, but those of SN, BM, SY and HI were relatively low. Genetic correlation analysis indicated significant associations among PH, EL, BM and SY, and among HD, SN, NSS and TGW. Furthermore, HD was also positively correlated with PH and EL. The results obtained suggest that loci for several agronomic traits may be pleiotropic or linked. Selection efficiency to improve BM and SY could be achieved using subsidiary traits that are highly heritable and genetically associated. Thus, PH, LE could be considered as effective selection criteria along with earliness, NSS and TGW.

Abdessatar Omezine (Tunisia), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan) Using Growth Analysis to Interpret Competition between Cynodon dactylon (L.) Beauv. (Bermudagrass) and Newly Planted Olea europea L. (Olive Seedlings) (pp 28-32)

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Original Research Paper: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Beauv.] on the growth of newly planted olive trees (Olea europea L.) over a one-year period. C. dactylon and olive seedlings were grown individually and in competition with each other. Soil water content and growth period were evaluated weekly and nutrient content in the leaves was analyzed at the end of the experiment. Detailed growth analysis together with information on seedling growth was used to interpret competition between C. dactylon and olive seedlings. Competition reduced the growth of olive seedlings for different reasons. The decrease in the leaf area ratio was associated with an increase in the root/shoot ratio implying that olive seedlings were limited by competition for below-ground resources. Olive tree seedling leaf area was the most sensitive growth parameter measured in response to bermudagrass. Leaf area was reduced by 79% and specific leaf weight, a relative measure of leaf thickness, was reduced by 34.4%. Moreover, bermudagrassreduced olive tree seedling dry weight by 54%. Olive tree seedling trunk diameter relative growth rate and shoot length were reduced by 55 and 68%, respectively. In addition to visual symptoms of nutrient status, olive tree seedling nutrient status was reduced by bermudagrass. The negative effects of bermudagrass increased over time. This reduction in olive tree seedling growth cannot be explained entirely by competition for essential nutrients and water. However, a competitive interaction through allelopathy might be induced by C. dactylon.

Abdessatar Omezine, Fethia Harzallah-Skhiri (Tunisia) Field Bindweed Biology and Growth Resumption (pp 33-38)

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Original Research Paper: Glasshouse and growth chamber experiments were conducted at the farm of the High Institute of Agronomy in Chott-Mariem to investigate the sprouting potential and emergence of Convolvulus arvensis rootstock from 2006 to 2007. The effects of burial depth, desiccation, length of rootstock, and soil moisture on sprouting, the value of sprouting and the test of viability of C. arvensis rootstock were investigated in a glasshouse. The vertical distribution of rootstock of C. arvensis was estimated in situ. The creeping underground system can reach 70 cm depth depending on the soil type. The upper horizon holds the majority of this underground system; viability decreases with the highest viability for the underground structure located at a depth between 10 and 20 cm. The plant was able to regenerate either by roots or rhizomes; however, shoots from rhizomes were more vigorous than those from roots when these structures were isolated. Planting depth decreased the emergence of rhizome fragments. At the same depth of planting, the long rhizome fragments emerged more rapidly than short rhizome fragment since the former contain more food reserves; therefore, the smaller fragments sprouted but were not able to emerge. The length of the C. arvensis rootstock fragment is critical for sprouting. The rhizomes of C. arvensis exposed to ambient temperature rapidly lost water content which is essential for survival. Irrigation regimes and soil type influenced growth and sprouting. These findings in integrated C. arvensis management could reduce infestation by preventing emergence and sprouting from small rhizome fragments in the population.

Nadia Chaieb (Tunisia), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan), Mohamed Bouslama (Tunisia) Diversity of Growth and Yield Parameters of Seven Vicia faba L. Genotypes (pp 39-45)

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Original Research Paper: Growth and yield parameters, as well as protein content, were used to elucidate the intraspecific diversity of seven faba bean genotypes (Vicia faba L. (2n=12)) and to search for selection criteria for plant breeding.With a few exceptions, the majority of parameters showed significant variability between the seven genotypes tested: root length, leaf fresh and dry weights, number and weight of nodules, protein content, flower number, aborted flower number, pod number, seed number/pod and fertility index. Protein content was positively correlated with seed number/pod and root length, but negatively correlated with the date of maturity. Line 20104, of Syrian origin, was the most important genotype since it had the most precocious maturity date (164.25 days), the highest protein content (39.76%), the highest number of seeds/pod (2.28) and the greatest yield (37.73 g). Local genotype 1 also showed good yield (37.53 g). Line 20301 provided the most pods/plant (14.81). These ideotypes will be very useful for faba bean breeding programs for which a plant breeding model has been proposed.

Sihem Ben Maachia, Noura Omri, Samir Chebil (Tunisia), Majida El Hassni, Ismail El Hadrami (Morocco), Mohamed Chérif (Tunisia) Bacillus Induces Phenolic Compounds and Enhances Resistance to Uncinula necator Infection in Grapevine Leaves (pp 46-53)

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Original Research Paper: Thirty bacteria, identified as Bacillus sp., were tested for their biocontrol effects against Uncinula necator in vivo by using a leaf disc bioassay. Six bacteria were selected and tested in the greenhouse. Among these bacterial isolates B27 and B29 reduced disease development significantly compared to the untreated control. Isolates B27 and B29 revealed a mass disease index (MDI) of 50 and 60%, respectively, while the infected plants showed an MDI of 115%. From our study it also appears that isolate B27 has the advantage of influencing the host’s response to pathogen attack. In fact, HPLC analysis demonstrated that B27 isolate induces the accumulation of phenolic compounds in grapevine leaves, particularly flavonoids, that are toxic to the pathogen.

Mejda Daami-Remadi, Hayfa Jabnoun-Khiareddine, Abir Sdiri, Mohamed El Mahjoub (Tunisia) Effect of Temperature on Sclerotium rolfsii Mycelial Growth and Rot Severity on Potato Tubers (pp 54-58)

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Original Research Paper: Sclerotium tuber rot incited by Sclerotium rolfsii is an emergent potato disease in Tunisia. Due to the known effects of temperature on several post-harvest pathogens of potato, the present study focused on the assessment of pathogen development in vitro and in vivo under different thermal conditions. The present study showed significant differences in the mycelial growth rate of S. rolfsii, as measured by mean colony diameter recorded after 24, 48 and 72 h at various temperatures (5-40°C) where the optimum was found to be 30-35°C on PDA. Significant differences in pathogen external and internal development were also noted on inoculated potato cv. ‘Spunta’ tubers. In fact, the maximum lesion diameter noted at tuber surface was observed at 30°C. However, the most severe soft (atypical) rot and the highest percentage of rotten tissue were recorded after 8 days of incubation at 35°C. Statistically significant positive correlations were noted between the tuber lesion diameter, pathogen penetration and the percentage of rotten tissue.

Ben Chaaban Samah, Brahim Chermiti (Tunisia) Oligonychus afrasiaticus (Acarina: Tetranychidae). Seasonal Abundance and Life History of the Old World Mite on Various Date Palm Cultivars in Segdoud Oasis, South Tunisia (pp 59-63)

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Original Research Paper: We compared the susceptibility of four Tunisian cultivars of date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, to feeding by Oligonychus afrasiaticus based on the seasonal abundance of spider mites in 2006 and 2007 in Segdoud oasis, south Tunisia. Cultivars were categorized into three groups: ‘Deglet Noor’ and ‘Alig’ were susceptible, ‘Kentichi’ was resistant and ‘Bessr’ was of an intermediate susceptibility. A life table study in the laboratory showed that at 32°C, O. afrasiaticus feeding on ‘Bessr’ illustrated the lowest intrinsic rate of natural population increase (r_m = 0.136 day^-1). Their virulence was low because of low fecundity and reduction in fertility. Reared on ‘Deglet Noor’ fruits, O. afrasiaticus presented the highest demogaphic intrinsic rate of natural population increase (r_m =0.213), proving that this cultivar’s dates are more susceptible to attack by this mite.

Riadh Ilahy, Chafik Hdider, Imen Tlili (Tunisia) Assessing Agronomic Characteristics, Lycopene and Total Phenolic Contents in Pulp and Skin Fractions of Different Tomato Varieties (pp 64-67)

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Original Research Paper: Considering the lycopene antioxidant activity against free radicals responsible for many actual important diseases, new tomato varieties with increased lycopene content have recently been developed. Besides some agronomic characteristics, we evaluated five tomato varieties for their lycopene and total phenolic contents in both pulp and skin fractions. All tested varieties generally showed satisfying agronomic characteristics. The lycopene and phenolic contents in fruit pulp and skin varied significantly between the studied varieties. Compared to ‘Rio Grande’, the variety ‘HLY 18’ had 2.7- and 2.1-fold higher pulp and skin lycopene contents, respectively. Also, ‘HLY 18’ had 1.6- and 2.6-fold higher pulp and skin total phenolic contents, respectively. These results are the first data on skin lycopene and phenolic levels of tomato varieties with high lycopene content and emphasize the promising use of such varieties for healthy quality products and by-products.

Imen Tlili, Chafik Hdider, Riadh Ilahy, Hager Jebari (Tunisia) Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Watermelon Varieties Grown in Tunisia (pp 68-71)

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Original Research Paper: Interest in bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity and potential health benefits in watermelon is increasing but data on this topic remains scarce in the literature. Therefore, the variability of antioxidant component and antioxidant activity of six watermelon varieties (four commercial varieties‘Aramis’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Dumara’, ‘Giza’, and two new selections ‘P503’ and ‘P403’ developed by the National Agricultural Research Institute of Tunisia) were determined. All varieties were grown simultaneously in the same field and subjected to identical cultural practices in order to minimise the effects of environmental conditions and maximize those related to genotype. Significant differences were found in lycopene, vitamin C and phenolic contents between watermelon varieties. ‘Giza’ showed the highest analyzed antioxidants levels. ‘P503’ had the highest lycopene and flavonoid contents. ‘Aramis’ showed the highest hydrophilic antioxidant activity (239.90 µM Trolox 100 g^-1 FW). However, the highest lipophilic antioxidant activity was detected in ‘Crimson Sweet’ (283.97 µM Trolox 100 g^-1 FW). The present study demonstrates that the amount of assayed antioxidant molecules and the hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities were influenced by genotype, which emphasizes the need to evaluate watermelon biodiversity in order to improve its nutritional value.

Thouraya R’him, Riadh Ilahy, Imen Tlili, Fatma Gharbi, Rihab Gasmi, Hager Jebari (Tunisia) Assessing Physicochemical Properties of Different Red Hot Pepper Paste ‘Harissa’ Commonly Consumed in Tunisia (pp 72-76)

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Original Research Paper: Pepper is one of the main vegetable crops grown and consumed in Tunisia and is therefore of economic importance. Interest in assessing physicochemical and bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity and potential health benefits in pepper and pepper based products is increasing. Besides some physicochemical characteristics, the variability of lycopene and total carotenoid contents of 11 red hot pepper pastes (RHPP) covering almost of the commercial types available in Tunisian hypermarkets were determined. Soluble solid content, Titratable acidity, pH, the color index (L*), (a*), (b*) and the calculated coefficients (a*/b*) and (a*/b*)² varied significantly among the studied (RHPP). Significant differences were found also in lycopene and total carotenoid contents between the studied (RHPP). Total carotenoids varied from 121.30 mg β-CaE/kg fw in H6 to 463.23 mg β-CaE/kg fw in H11. Lycopene content in H11 was more than 3-fold higher than that in H6. In the present study, lycopene content ranged from 80.39 mg/kg fw in H6 to 182.62 mg/kg fw in H5. Correlation study showed that only lycopene was best correlated with the ratio (a*/b*) (R = 0.529 P < 0.01) and (a*/b*)² (R = 0.343 P < 0.05) indicating that the ratio (a*/b*) can be used particularly for the rapid estimation of the lycopene content and screening work in (RHPP) but not for accurate determinations. This study has demonstrated the variability in the physicochemical attributes in different red hot pepper pastes consumed in Tunisia. However, the determination of all the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity in such products is required in order to develop new marketing and convincing labels.

Sana Kamel, Sourour Ayed, Mejda Cherif (Tunisia) Identification of Tunisian Barley Lines Tolerant to Both Net Botch and Scald in the Adult Stage (pp 77-80)

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Research Note: Net blotch and scald are the two prevalent foliar diseases of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Tunisia, causing significant losses in yield and quality of seeds. Their impact can be reduced with the identification and use of effective sources of resistance. In order to identify genotypes with double resistance to net blotch and scald, 91 inbred barley lines derived from crosses between susceptible cultivars to net blotch were screened at the adult growth stage in the field. Net blotch and scald reactions were evaluated two times using the mass disease index (MDI). The least significant difference (LSD) test showed that 62.1 and 37.8% of the screened total lines had the highest level of resistance to both net blotch and scald for the first and the second assessments, respectively. Furthermore, the evaluated lines were partitioned into four groups according to their simultaneous reaction to both diseases. For the first assessment, 45 lines were considered to be resistant to both diseases with MDIs lower than 7.5 and 1.16% for net blotch and scald, respectively. For the second assessment, 40 lines were resistant to both Pyrenophora teres andRhynchosporium secalis, with. MDIs lower than 20.95% for P. teres and 3.34% for R. secalis. The two methods used in this investigation are efficient to select barely inbred lines tolerant to both diseases. The selected lines could be used in plant breeding programmes for disease resistance after validation of their resistance.

Thouraya R’him, Imen Tlili, Riadh Ilahy (Tunisia), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan), Naceur Hamza (Tunisia) The Effect of Growing Season and Culture Media on Anther Culture Response of Some Pepper Cultivars (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown in Tunisia (pp 81-84)

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Research Note: The creation of pepper cultivars using traditional breeding is time consuming. In fact, 8 to 10 years are required to fix a determined character. In this way, anther culture is considered as an interesting tool in practical plant breeding and basic research to obtain haploid and diploid plants. However, the production and frequency of haploids is influenced by many factors, particularly growing season and composition of culture media. Therefore, the effects of different growing season (autumn or spring) and different culture medium on the anther culture response of three pepper cultivars (‘Marconi’, ‘Baker’ and ‘J27’) grown in Tunisia were examined. The suitable growing season for anther culture was spring (March-April). The addition of activated charcoal at 0.25% and AgNo₃ at 10 mg/L was found to increase the yield of embryo-like structures, particularly for cultivar ‘J27’.

Anis Zouba, Kamel Mahjoubi (Tunisia) Biological Control of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) with Release of Trichogramma cacoeciae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Tomato Greenhouse in Tunisia (pp 85-87)

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Research Note: The egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae has been identified as a candidate for biological control of the tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta. Under laboratory conditions 74.28% of the parasitized eggs developed until the blackhead stage (apparent parasitism). Under greenhouse conditions a high efficacy (75.54% of damage reduction) was obtained when releasing 40 adults of Trichogramma cacoeciae/tomato plant every 3-4 days on February and March of 2009. This shows that this parasitoid can be a good weapon to control T. absoluta in greenhouses of southwestern Tunisia.

Ahmed Namsi, Ali Zouba, Mohamed Ali Triki, Mohamed Okacha Ben Mahmoud, Mohamed Laîd Takrouni (Tunisia) Study on Nattrassia mangiferae, the Causal Agent of Apricot Tree Decline Disease in the Oases of South Tunisia: Biology and in Vitro Evaluation of Some Fungicides (pp 88-90)

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Research Note: Nattrassia mangiferae (H. & P. Syd.) B. Sutton & Dyko is a wood fungus causing serious apricot decline in the oases of the South of Tunisia. In the literature there is relatively little information on the biology of N. mangiferae. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of temperature, pH, culture media and some fungicides on the radial growth of N. mangiferae on culture media,and the effect of humidity on conidial germination. N. mangiferae was able to growon temperatures ranging from 20-40°C with an optimum between 30-35°C. Mycelial growth was best at pH 6. The best medium for mycelial growth was potato dextrose agar (PDA). Maximum conidial germination occurred at relative humidity higher than 90%. The systemic fungicide Benomyl (Benlate) was less effective than the non-systemic fungicides: Mancozeb (Dithane M45) and Maneb (Manèbe 80).

Khaled Abbes, Brahim Chermiti (Tunisia) Integrated Pest Management Essay against the Tomato Leafminer Tuta absoluta Povolny (Lepidotera: Gelecheiidae) in an Open Field Tomato Crop in the Region of Raggueda, Tunisia (pp 91-95)

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Research Note: Integrated pest management in open field tomato crops against the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta using mass trapping, predatory bug Nesitdiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) and selective insecticides in the region of Kairouan (Tunisia) was efficient. The infestation rate of apical leaves remained under 14% and the number of leaf mines caused by larvae stayed beneath 5.8 mines per 100 leaves after the release of the predatory bug. Fruit losses were very reduced about 3 tones from a total production of 80 tones, corresponding to 3.75% of loss.

Anis Zouba (Tunisia) First Report of Choreutis nemorana (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae) in Tunisia (pp 96-97)

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Research Note: Choreutis nemorana was encountered for the first time in 2009 on a fig tree (Ficus carica) in the Djerid oasis (Tozeur, Degache and Nafta). Then, in 2010, it was recorded in Nefzawa in the Rjim-Maatoug oasis. Some morphological and biological aspects of this insect are described in this paper.

Anis Zouba (Tunisia), Ali Raeesi (Sultanate of Oman) First Report of Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) in Tunisia (pp 98-99)

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Research Note: Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin was encountered for the first time in 2010 on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera: Deglet Nour variety) in the Tamerza oasis, Tunisia. Then, it was recorded in different areas of the Djerid oasis such as Chbika, Tozeur, Hezwa and Nafta. Some morphological and biological aspects of this insect are described in this paper.

Anis Zouba (Tunisia), Ali Raeesi (Sultanate of Oman) First Report of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Tunisia (pp 100-101)

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Research Note: Raoiella indica Hirst was encountered for the first time in 2010 on date palm in the Nefzawa oasis. Then, it was recorded in different areas of the Djerid oasis such as Tozeur, Degache and Nafta. Some morphological and biological aspects of this insect are described in this paper.