Molecular identification and morphological characterization of plant-pathogenic fungi in the cultivation of Annona muricata, the Ecuadorian Giant Guanábana variety
Synopsis
Annona muricata L., commonly known as soursop, is adapted to subtropical conditions in Ecuador, allowing for productive and high-quality varieties. However, it is affected by fungal diseases that intensify during the rainy season. This research characterized the phytopathogenic fungi associated with soursop both morphologically and molecularly. Infected leaves, flowers, stems, bark, and fruits were collected from the Yolita Agroecological Farm in Napo, Ecuador. Fungi were isolated on rose bengal agar (RBA) until axenic cultures were obtained and stained with 1 % methylene blue. Molecular identification was carried out through PCR and sequencing of ITS1, ITS2, and ITS4 transcripts. The identified phytopathogenic fungi were Fusarium solani-melongenae (I.S. 100 %), F. pseudensiforme (I.S. 100 %), F. concolor (I.S. 98.85%), F. equiseti (I.S. 100 %), Colletotrichum sp. (I.S. 98.64 %), and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (I.S. 100 %). These results will enable accurate and early diagnoses, benefiting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in the region.
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