Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the Pathogen Associated with Infected Leaf and Fruits of Tomato

What is it about?

This investigation describes the morpho-molecular characterization of the pathogen associated with infected leaf and fruits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The fungal pathogen was identified based on their cultural morphology, microscopic features and analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). Cultural morphology including colour of the young and mature colony, growth pattern, concentric rings etc. and microscopic features including shape and size of microconidia, macroconidia, phialide, shape of apical and basal cells of macroconidia, septation in conidia, inter-septal distance and formation of chlamydospores corroborated the identity with the pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum.

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Why is it important?

Morpho-molecular characterization has utmost importance for accurate identification and determination of pathogenic variation of F. oxysporum isolates, which has not been previously studied in Bangladesh. To minimize the yield loss and control of the pathogen, proper identification of the relevant pathogen is important. Considering these, the present study was under taken with a view to identify the causal organism of Fusarium wilt of tomato by applying morphological and molecular techniques.

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