Article / Isolation and identification of the xerophilic fungus Wallemia mellicola from Algerian date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera).

Foughalia, A., Tahirine, M., Duffaud, M., Chandeysson, C., Hammadi, S., Djedidi, M. (2026) Isolation and identification of the xerophilic fungus Wallemia mellicola from Algerian date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera). Journal Algérien des Régions Arides, 19, 36-40. https://asjp.cerist.dz/index.php/en/article/287561

Abstract: Like other foods, fruits are susceptible to spoiling microorganisms both before and after harvest. In November 2019, a new fungal decay affecting date fruits (Deglet Nour cultivar) in postharvest and under storage conditions was observed in the Biksra district (southeastern Algeria). A brown rot followed by epicarp weakening and separation (accompanied by unpleasant odors) are the symptoms recorded during the storage of fruits. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and characterize the causative agent of this new disease. To identify and characterize the causative agent of these symptoms, we performed an isolation from the infected fruits. The isolation was performed on PDA medium. The cultural and microscopic characteristics of the fungus were studied. To identify the fungal pathogen, the ITS region was then sequenced. Based on morphological and cultural characteristics as well as the results of sequencing the ITS region, the fungal pathogen was identified as Wallemia mellicola. To our knowledge this paper represents the first report of W. mellicola as responsible of Date-Palm Fruit Spoilage in Algeria and worldwide.