Characterization of Pseudocercospora fijiensis Morelet isolates to be used in improvement programs of Musa sp.

Abstract

physiologically as well as to evaluate their pathogenicity and virulence on Musa cultivars. The growth in solid and liquid cultures media was evaluated, the structures of asexual reproduction were characterized and the subculture number effect on the conidia production was determined, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Higromicin B and Carbendazim was determined in front of these. P . fijiensis isolates were obtained and their cultural and morphological characteristic coincided with those referred in the scientific literature for this specie. It was also proven, that the in vitro conidia production diminished with the increment of the subcultures number and that it was independent of the isolates. It was possible to determine the MIC of Higromicin B and Carbendazim with the agar dilution method using mycelia suspensions as inoculums. It was demonstrated their pathogenicity on Musa genotypes artificially inoculated with mycelia suspensions and there were differences in respect their virulence. The obtained results evidenced the variability of the M. fijiensis by their sexual reproduction and the necessity of their study to find effective strategies for the plants improvement. Key words: conidia, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, pathogenicity,subculturing