Title : Characterization and Pathogenicity of Fusarium species associated with Soybean diseases
Abstract:
Soybean (Glycine max) is a major source of oil and proteins worldwide and the demand for soybean has increased in Africa, driven by the growing feed industry for poultry, aquaculture and home consumption in the form of processed milk, baked beans and for blending with maize and wheat flour. Hence the introduction and promotion of the crop in Lesotho, where the incidences of foliar, root rot and stem diseases have been observed constantly; threatening soybean production, causing large loss in yield and quality of the produce in soybean fields monitored. This study aimed at identifying the genetic, morphological and pathogenicity of the Fusarium oxysporum (FOSC) and Fusarium solani (FSSC) species causing Fusarium wilt and root rot, respectively. Forty soybean fields were surveyed at five locations during two consecutive seasons, and 20 isolates were recovered from symptomatic soybean plants. Identification of the fungus was based on colony morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) using ITS1-F and ITS4 primers. Twenty (20) isolates were identified as members of the FOSC or FSSC species. The pathogenicity of the isolates towards soybean seedlings was assessed in a greenhouse and showed that the two species of Fusarium were able to infect soybean. Considerable variability in pathogenicity was observed among the isolates with differences in the levels of pathogenicity recorded. In the FOSC and FSSC, 80% and 70% of the isolates were pathogenic, respectively. In this study, members of FOSC and FSSC exhibited considerable variability in morphological characteristics and virulence to soybean. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide information on the prevalence and variability of the pathogens associated with soybean wilt and root rot in Lesotho. This work contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies in soybean production.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The information obtained from the study can be used in breeding programs for development of disease tolerant soybean cultivars and other crops in general
- Timely soybean diseases management and design of proper management strategies
- This study will give the audience the insights of soybean production, diseases and it importance
- Improved soybean yields
