Morpho-Molecular Characterization and Virulence Confirmation of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Citrus Fruit in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: In all of Pakistan's citrus-growing regions, losses related to fungi that cause infections of citrus fruits were investigated. However, the Khanpur city of the Haripur district, a significant citrus-growing area in Pakistan, has not addressed this issue. Citrus fruit quality and quantity deteriorate as a result of various fungi impairing their quiet standards, resulting in economic losses. Results: The current investigation involves three steps that are morphological, pathological, and molecular identification of the fungal pathogens linked to citrus fruit diseases. Firstly the pathogens from infected fruit samples were isolated by culturing them on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for morphological characterization. Secondly, the 5.8S rDNA molecular sequencing was used to identify the crucial species at the molecular level. The results showed that they belonged to the seven important genera of Colletotrichum, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botryosphaeria, Lasiodiplodia, Penicillium, and Fusarium. And thirdly the three different citrus cultivars were subjected to pathogenicity assays to identify the most resistant variety to fungal diseases. Conclusions: Current work associated with the comprehension of disease development points towards effective managerial practices in the form of a cost-effective spray program. Furthermore, the findings are indicative of the need for biological and physical pre-harvest management interventions to increase storage and marketability.