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Published on: April 23, 2012
Molecular and physiological characterization of Fusarium strains associated with different diseases in date palm
Amgad A Saleh1,2, Anwar H Sharafaddin1, Mahmoud H El Komy1,3
1Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Several species of Fusarium cause serious diseases in date palm worldwide. In the present work, 14 SSR markers were used to assess the genetic variation of Fusarium strains isolated from diseased trees in Saudi Arabia. We also studied the effect of different temperatures on mycelial growth of these strains. The pathogenicity of four strains of F. proliferatum was also evaluated on local date palm cultivars. Eleven SSR markers amplified a total of 57 scorable alleles from Fusarium strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that F. proliferatum strains grouped in one clade with 95% bootstrap value. Within F. proliferatum clade, 14 SSR genotypes were identified, 9 of them were singleton. Four out of the five multi-individual SSR genotypes contained strains isolated from more than one location. Most F. solani strains grouped in one clade with 95% bootstrap value. Overall, the SSR markers previously developed for F. verticillioides and F. oxysporum were very useful in assessing the genetic diversity and confirming the identity of Saudi Fusarium strains. The results from the temperature study showed significant differences in mycelial growth of Fusarium strains at different temperatures tested. The highest average radial growth for Fusarium strains was observed at 25°C, irrespective of species. The four F. proliferatum strains showed significant differences in their pathogenicity on date palm cultivars. It is anticipated that the assessment of genetic diversity, effect of temperature on hyphal growth and pathogenicity of potent pathogenic Fusarium strains recovered from date palm-growing locations in Saudi Arabia can help in effectively controlling these pathogens.
Insights
This study assessed genetic diversity in Fusarium strains from Saudi date palms using SSR markers. Optimal growth occurred at 25°C, with varying pathogenicity observed among F. proliferatum strains.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Fusarium species cause significant diseases in date palms globally.
- Understanding genetic diversity and pathogenicity is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess genetic variation among Fusarium strains from Saudi Arabia using SSR markers.
- To investigate the effect of temperature on mycelial growth.
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of Fusarium proliferatum strains on date palm cultivars.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 14 SSR markers to analyze genetic variation in Fusarium strains.
- Studied mycelial growth at different temperatures.
- Assessed pathogenicity of four F. proliferatum strains on local date palm cultivars.
Main Results:
- SSR markers revealed genetic diversity within Fusarium strains, with F. proliferatum and F. solani forming distinct clades.
- Maximum mycelial growth for all tested Fusarium strains occurred at 25°C.
- Significant differences in pathogenicity were observed among F. proliferatum strains on date palm cultivars.
Conclusions:
- SSR markers are effective for identifying and assessing genetic diversity of Saudi Fusarium strains.
- Temperature significantly influences Fusarium mycelial growth, with 25°C being optimal.
- Pathogenicity varies among F. proliferatum strains, necessitating targeted control strategies for date palm diseases.
