Identification and characterization of Fusarium acuminatum causing root rot on sesame in Noutheast of China

Sesame is an important oil-producing crop, possessing approximately 50% oil and 20% protein content, along with a variety of antioxidant substances, endowing it with high edible and medicinal value. However, fungal diseases, especially Fusarium wilt with a high incidence, pose a significant threat and severely limit the development of the sesame industry.

In this study, we identified symptoms of sesame fusarium wilt as with the midrib as the boundary, half of the leaf turns yellow while the other half remains normal, plantwilted and rotting roots, and eventually plant wilting and death. To identify the pathogen responsible, we employed a multi-faceted approach. Morphologically, we examined the color of the colonies and the specific morphology of the conidia. Moreover, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the DNA sequences of ITS and TEF1-α. Through these combined efforts, the pathogen was identified as F. acutuminatum. Subsequently, pathogenicity tests were carried out, and the results unequivocally demonstrated that F. acutuminatum was capable of inducing the characteristic symptoms of Fusarium wilt in sesame seedlings, including root rot and leaf yellowing.

This study identified key aspects of sesame Fusarium wilt. The determined symptoms and pathogen, along with proven pathogenicity, offer a theoretical basis for devising strategies to prevent and treat this disease, potentially enhancing sesame industry sustainability.