Identification and genetic diversity ofFusarium sacchariassociated with pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Isolates from the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex, mainly F. sacchari, have been reported to be the causal agents of pokkah boeng in sugarcane in Brazil. However, inadequate information was available on the occurrence and genetic diversity of F. sacchari in Northeast Brazil, which is a limiting factor on management. Thus, isolates of F. subglutinans sensu lato from sugarcane plants with symptoms of pokkah boeng were evaluated using the sexual cross-fertility to determine species. All the isolates produced black perithecia when they were crossed with the test isolates of F. sacchari.Three weeks after the crossing, the formation of fertile ascospores cirri was observed.Thirty-four isolates were self-sterile hermaphrodites, while 21 were fertile only as males. Five isolates were homothallic. The effective size [N e(f) ] of the population as a function of the frequency of hermaphrodites and female sterile strains was 95.5%.The F. sacchari isolates were separated into four genetic groups independent of geographic location. The mean of polymorphism among all populations was 79%, and the average unbiased genetic diversity (uh) was considered moderate (0.31). This study in addition to confirming that F. sacchari as the main species associated with pokkah boeng in sugarcane in Northeast Brazil, reveals the relationship of mating type and genetic diversity of F. sacchari. The unrestricted gene flow between regions is probably the best explanation for the low geographic correlation. This knowledge will help in the adoption of management measures with fungicides or resistant cultivars.

Analysis of metabolome and microbiome revealed the resistance mechanisms in sugarcane cultivars with high resistance to pokkah boeng disease

“…The pathogenicity and toxicity of Fusarium is well known [59]. Previous studies reported that Fusarium causes PBD in sugarcane [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In addition, Ramichloridium, Scleroramularia, Phaeosphaeriopsis, Sarocladium, Zygophiala, and Gibberella are reported as pathogens in bananas [60], apple and pawpaw [61], Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) [62], rice [63], apple [64], and maize [65].…”

“…PBD is a serious fungal disease in sugarcane worldwide. It is caused by various Fusarium spp., mainly F. verticillioides [5], F. sacchari [6], F. proliferatum [7], F. subglutinans [8], F. oxysporum [9], F. fujikuroi [10], and F. andiyazi [11]. Their intermediate hosts can be rice, sorghum, corn, banana, and pumpkin [12][13][14].…”