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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants
Published on: May 5, 2023
Identification and pathogenic characterization of endophytic Fusarium species from cowpea seeds
A A C Rodrigues1, Maria Menezes
1Fitossanidade, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, R. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, 52., 171-900 Recife/PE, Brasil.
Abstract:
Isolates of Fusarium were obtained and identified from seeds of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., by means of blotter tests and slide cultures. Species were differentiated according to the morphology of the macroconidia, microconidia and their arrangement in chains or false heads, the size and type of conidiophore, and the presence or absence of chlamydospores. The species were identified as F. semitectum, F. equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. anthophilum, F. sporotrichioides, F. moniliforme, and Fusarium sp. Among the species, F. semitectum was the most frequently detected. None of these species were pathogenic when inoculated in susceptible cowpea cultivar (BR 17-Gurgueia). But, an isolate of F. oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum used as a standard of comparison for pathogenicity (control) induced symptoms of yellowing, vascular wilting, and death of a susceptible cowpea cultivar under the same environmental conditions.
Insights
Fusarium species were identified in cowpea seeds, with Fusarium semitectum being most common. However, none of the isolated Fusarium species proved pathogenic to the cowpea cultivar tested.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a vital legume crop susceptible to various fungal diseases.
- Seed-borne fungi can significantly impact crop establishment and yield.
- Accurate identification of fungal species is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify Fusarium species from cowpea seeds.
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolated Fusarium species on a susceptible cowpea cultivar.
Main Methods:
- Fungal isolation using blotter tests and slide cultures.
- Morphological characterization of Fusarium species (macroconidia, microconidia, conidiophores, chlamydospores).
- Pathogenicity testing through inoculation of cowpea seeds with isolated fungi.
Main Results:
- Eight Fusarium species were identified: F. semitectum, F. equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. anthophilum, F. sporotrichioides, F. moniliforme, and Fusarium sp.
- Fusarium semitectum was the most frequently isolated species.
- None of the tested Fusarium isolates caused disease symptoms in the cowpea cultivar.
- A standard isolate of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum induced typical wilting and yellowing symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The isolated Fusarium species, except for a known pathogenic strain of F. oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum, were not pathogenic to the tested cowpea cultivar under the experimental conditions.
- Seed-borne Fusarium species may not always pose an immediate threat to susceptible cowpea cultivars.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between Fusarium species, cowpea, and environmental factors.
