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Deciphering the morphological, molecular, and pathogenic variability in Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot disease

Summary

Researchers studied potato dry rot disease in India by collecting diseased potatoes from storage facilities and identifying the fungal pathogens responsible. They found that three Fusarium fungi species cause this disease, with Fusarium sambucinum being the most aggressive and damaging. The study provides important information for farmers and agricultural scientists to better control this disease and reduce potato losses during storage.

Background

Potato dry rot, caused by Fusarium species complex, is a major threat to global potato cultivation causing significant yield losses. The disease is particularly problematic in post-harvest storage conditions at cold temperatures. Pathogen variability depends on ecogeographical region and potato cultivar susceptibility.

Objective

To investigate the diversity, pathogenicity, and ecological variability of Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot by collecting samples from major potato-growing areas in Haryana and characterizing isolates through micromorphological and molecular methods. To identify dominant species and conduct pathogenicity tests to develop targeted management strategies.

Results

Molecular identification revealed three Fusarium species: F. sambucinum (18 isolates), F. oxysporum (15 isolates), and F. solani (7 isolates). F. sambucinum was the most dominant species with high pathogenicity. Maximum lesion diameter was 33 mm (PDR 5.1), maximum lesion depth was 30 mm (PDR 7.5.1), and maximum lesion volume was 7770 mm³ (PDR 12.6).

Conclusion

Fusarium sambucinum was identified as the most aggressive and dominant species causing potato dry rot in Haryana, followed by F. oxysporum and F. solani. The study highlights the predominance of F. sambucinum and provides critical insights for developing targeted management strategies to mitigate dry rot impact and enhance potato crop resilience.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Observational Study, Survey and Characterization,
  • Source: 40831633
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