Morpho-molecular identification and first report of Fusarium equiseti in causing chilli wilt from Kashmir (Northern Himalayas)

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most significant vegetable and spice crop. Wilt caused by Fusarium Sp. has emerged as a serious problem in chilli production. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region is widely used as a DNA barcoding marker to characterize the diversity and composition of Fusarium communities. ITS regions are heavily used in both molecular methods and ecological studies of fungi, because of its high degree of interspecific variability, conserved primer sites and multiple copy nature in the genome. In the present study we focused on morphological and molecular characterization of pathogen causing chilli wilt. Chilli plants were collected from four districts of Kashmir valley of Himalayan region. Pathogens were isolated from infected root and stem of the plants. Isolated pathogens were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification. The amplified product was sequenced and three different wilt causing fungal isolates were obtained which are reported in the current investigation. In addition to Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani, a new fungal species was found in association with the chilli wilt in Kashmir valley viz., Fusarium equiseti that has never been reported before from this region. The studies were confirmed by pathogenicity test and re-confirmation by DNA barcoding.

WITHDRAWN: Suppression Application of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Wilt-Inducing Fusarium Equiseti in Wheat

“…From pathogenicity test, the potent isolate of Fusarium sp. was inoculated on plate containing PDA plates, followed by incubation at 25 ºC for 5 days for molecular identi cation (Hami et al, 2021). DNA was extracted from mycelia growth using Microprep Kit of quick-DNA fungi/bacteria (Zymo research; D6007) via the manufacturer's protocol of Sigma Scienti c Services Company, Egypt.…”

“…According to Goswami et al (2008), tropical and sub-tropical areas are a common habitat of F. equiseti. The pathogenicity of F. equiseti was recorded on a varied range of plants and it has recorded recently by Hami et al, (2021) as a causal fungus of wilt in chilli wilt in Kashmir valley at Northern Himalayas. Numerous attempts from agronomists to create varieties of wheat resistant to phytpathogens (Harlapur et al, 1993, Ahmed et al, 2009) but theses varieties not continue for long time and become sensitive to most diseases.…”

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Color Changes during Fruit Development of Pepper (Capsicum baccatum)

“…The color of the fruit is considered to be the most important external feature for fruit selection and post-harvest life [ 17 ]. Pepper has gained its commercial value in the horticultural industry due to the unique pungent flavor of its fruits [ 18 ]. In plants, carotenoids and flavonoids usually give the fruit its different colors [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Fusarium chlamydosporum, causing wilt disease of chili (Capsicum annum L.) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in Northern Himalayas: a first report

“…The two critical fungal species i.e., Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani are involved with chili wilt in India, whereas, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium pallidoroseum are the other two species found in some parts of India 3 , 4 . Recently, F. equiseti has been reported from Kashmir valley as the causal agent of chili wilt 5 . Global yield losses owing to the disease are estimated to range between 10 and 80% 6 .…”