The genetic modification (GM) of maize to contain proteins that act to control insects has become a widespread agricultural practice. Although the reduction of insect damage to maize ears could potentially increase crop yield, rural small-scale farmers might be reluctant to buy expensive GM seed every season even when the lower fungal infection of the GM maize might also result in health benefits. This study was conducted over 5 years in three districts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to study the Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum infection and fumonisin contamination levels in Bt maize, Roundup-Ready® maize, conventional commercial maize and traditional landrace maize planted by rural farmers following their traditional agricultural practices. Mean Fusarium infection rates varied between 3.0% and 38.3% with large standard deviations. Fusarium infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the various genotypes, possibly due to the wide variation in results and low sample numbers. Although the fumonisin results also showed wide variation, the trend of contamination was lower in Bt maize compared to conventional commercial genotypes. The mean fumonisin levels in Bt hybrids were mostly <300 μg/kg, ensuring a safe maize supply in populations consuming maize as a dietary staple. The wide variations in Fusarium and fumonisin levels within each district point to the influence of local agricultural practices, local environmental conditions, and seasonal variations. Reducing exposure to fumonisins in these communities requires both further attention to the possible influence of these factors, as well as the use of appropriate post-harvest strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: This study was the first in South Africa to follow rural farmers planting Bt and commercial maize hybrids as well as open-pollinated landrace maize, according to their traditional agricultural practices. The results show that in some instances the Bt maize had the lowest fumonisin levels.

Resumo A dengue transmitida pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti é uma das doenças transmitidas por insetos de propagação mais rápida. A dependência atual do controle do vetor da dengue é principalmente de inseticidas químicos. O aumento da resistência a inseticidas no principal vetor do mosquito, Aedes aegypti, limita a eficácia do controle do vetor por meio de inseticidas químicos. Esses inseticidas químicos também têm impactos ambientais negativos sobre os animais, plantas e saúde humana. Os agentes de micobiocontrole são organismos que ocorrem naturalmente e são menos prejudiciais ao meio ambiente em comparação com os inseticidas químicos. No presente estudo, avaliou-se o potencial entomopatogênico de cepas locais de fungos isolados do solo para o controle do vetor da dengue. Isolados de fungos locais apresentam melhor alternativa para a introdução de uma cepa de biocontrole estrangeira, pois podem ser mais bem adaptados às condições ambientais da área para sobreviver e podem ter maior eficácia entomopatogênica contra o organismo-alvo. A eficácia larvicida de Fusarium equiseti e Fusarium proliferatum foi avaliada contra Aedes aegypti. Cepas locais de F. equiseti (MK371718) e F. proliferatum (MK371715) foram isoladas do solo de Changa Manga Forest, Paquistão, usando o método de isca para insetos. Atividade larvicida de dois Fusarium spp. foi testado contra larvas de quarto ínstar de A. aegypti em laboratório, nas concentrações 105, 106, 107 e 108 conídios / ml. Os valores de LC50 para F. equiseti após 24 h, 48 h, 72 h e 96 h de exposição foram registrados como 3,8x 108, 2,9x107, 2,0x107 e 7,1x106 conídios / ml, respectivamente, enquanto os valores de LC50 para F. proliferatum foram registrados como 1,21x108, 9,6 x107, 4,2x107, 2,6x107 conídios / ml, respectivamente, após 24 h, 48 h, 72 h e 96 h de exposição. Os resultados indicam que entre duas cepas de fungos F. equiseti se mostrou mais eficaz em termos de atividade larvicida do que F. proliferatum contra larvas de A. aegypti.

Abstract Dengue fever vectored by the mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the most rapidly spreading insect-borne diseases. Current reliance of dengue vector control is mostly on chemical insecticides. Growing insecticide resistance in the primary mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, limits the effectiveness of vector control through chemical insecticides. These chemical insecticides also have negative environmental impacts on animals, plants and human health. Myco-biocontrol agents are naturally occurring organisms and are found to be less damaging to the environment as compared to chemical insecticides. In the present study, entomopathogenic potential of local strains of fungi isolated from soil was assessed for the control of dengue vector. Local fungal isolates presents better alternative to introducing a foreign biocontrol strain, as they may be better adapted to environmental conditions of the area to survive and may have more entomopathogenic efficacy against target organism. Larvicidal efficacy of Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium proliferatum was evaluated against Aedes aegypti. Local strains of F. equiseti (MK371718) and F. proliferatum (MK371715) were isolated from the soil of Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan by using insect bait method. Larvicidal activity of two Fusarium spp. was tested against forth instar larvae of A. aegypti in the laboratory, using concentrations 105, 106, 107 and 108 conidia /ml. LC50 values for F. equiseti after 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h of exposure were recorded as 3.8x 108, 2.9x107, 2.0x107, and 7.1x106 conidia /ml respectively while LC50 values for F. proliferatum were recorded as 1.21x108, 9.6x107, 4.2x107, 2.6x107 conidia /ml respectively after 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h of exposure. The results indicate that among two fungal strains F. equiseti was found to be more effective in terms of its larvicidal activity than F. proliferatum against larvae of A. aegypti.

Abstract Ageratina pichinchensis is a medicinal plant, endemic to Mexico, known as Axihuitl. The extracts of the leaves show antifungal activity against dermatophytic fungi, but there are no studies of the identification of endophytic fungi. The objective was to identify endophytic fungi of A. pichinchensis with potential as biological control agents of phytopathogens. Fifty-five morphospecies of endophytic fungi that belong to the phylum Ascomycota were isolated from the leaves of A. pichinchensis. Molecular identification based on the analysis of the sequences of internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) amplified by PCR showed that six of the most frequent fungi correspond to Remotididymella anthropophila and Diaporthe caatingaensis and to the genera Diaporthe, Phomopsis and Fusarium. In multiple antagonism assays, seven morphospecies showed strong antagonistic activity against the pathogens Fusarium oxysporum, F. proliferatum and Stemphylium vesicarium. Two endophytic fungi belong to Alternaria alternata, another to Trichoderma longibrachiatum and two others are from the genera Alternaria and Phomopsis. While Nigrospora oryzae was the only most frequent endophyte and with antagonistic activity against the three pathogens. In dual culture assays, endophytes with strong antagonistic activity inhibited the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum by 37 to 80%, but in the poisoned food assay, T. longibrachiatum inhibited the mycelial growth of the two pathogens by 79% and 66%, respectively. For the first time, R. anthropophila as an endophytic fungus, as well as the identification and antagonistic activity of endophytic fungi of A. pichinchensis, are reported.

Resumen Ageratina pichinchensis es una planta medicinal, endémica de México conocida como Axihuitl. Los extractos de las hojas muestran actividad antifúngica contra hongos dermatofitos, pero no hay estudios de la identificación de los hongos endófitos. El objetivo fue identificar hongos endófitos de A. pichinchensis con potencial como agentes de control biológico de fitopatógenos. De las hojas de A. pichinchensis se aislaron 55 morfoespecies de hongos endófitos que pertenecen al filo Ascomycota. La identificación molecular basada en el análisis de las secuencias de los espaciadores internos transcritos (ITS) amplificadas por PCR mostró que seis de los hongos más frecuentes corresponden a Remotididymella anthropophila y Diaporthe caatingaensis y a los géneros Diaporthe, Phomopsis y Fusarium. En ensayos de antagonismo múltiple, siete morfoespecies mostraron actividad antagónica fuerte contra los patógenos Fusarium oxysporum, F. proliferatum y Stemphylium vesicarium dos hongos endófitos pertenecen a Alternaria alternata, otro a Trichoderma longibrachiatum y otros dos son de los géneros Alternaria y Phomopsis. Mientras que Nigrospora oryzae fue el único endófito más frecuente y con actividad antagónica contra los tres patógenos. En ensayos de cultivo dual, los endófitos con actividad antagónica fuerte inhibieron de 37 al 80% el crecimiento micelial de F. oxysporum y F. proliferatum, pero en el ensayo de alimento envenenado, T. longibrachiatum inhibió el crecimiento micelial de los dos patógenos en 79 y 66%, respectivamente. Por primera vez se reporta a R. anthropophila como un hongo endófito, así como la identificación y la actividad antagónica de hongos endófitos de A. pichichensis.

Resumen Introducción. La piña es el segundo cultivo de mayor importancia en Costa Rica, luego del banano. Se destaca la variedad Golden MD-2 como la de mayor demanda en Estados Unidos y Europa. En el 2019 el área de cultivo fue de 40 000 ha distribuidas en las zonas Norte, Atlántica y Pacífico. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia del patógeno Fusarium guttiforme, e identificar y caracterizar las especies de este género, presentes en el cultivo de piña en Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron 215 plantas y 20 frutos de diferentes regiones de Costa Rica en el periodo identificado 2015-2019 para un total de 38 175 ha del área sembrada de piña mediante un muestreo dirigido a síntomas relacionados a la ''muerte descendente de piña''. Para la caracterización morfológica se realizaron observaciones del color del micelio, detalles de estructuras como macro y microconidios, clamidósporas y células conidiógenas en muestras previamente identificadas por medios moleculares. La identificación molecular se realizó a partir de 120 aislamientos con los marcadores moleculares ITS y TEF-1α. Resultados. No se detectó F. guttiforme en plantaciones de piña en el período comprendido entre 2015-2019. Se identificaron 6 especies, Fusarium ananatum, F. oxysporum, F. concolor, F. proliferatum, F. incarnatum y F. solani cuyo número de accesión en el National Center ofBiotechnologyInformation se adjunta en el presente artículo. Las especies F. ananatum, F. oxysporumy F. proliferatum han sido previamente descritas como patogénicas en piña. La presencia de F. ananatum en un 95% de los frutos recolectados, se relacionó con la enfermedad ''pudrición del centro del frutículo''. F. proliferatum es generador de micotoxinas, lo cual podría representar un peligro para la salud animal y humana. Las otras especies no han sido reportadas en piña anteriormente. Conclusión. No se constató la presencia del patógeno F. guttiforme, aunque si se identificaron las especies de este género, presentes en el cultivo de piña en Costa Rica.

Abstract Introduction. Pineapple is the second most important crop in Costa Rica, after banana. The Golden MD-2 variety standing out as the one with the highest demand in the United States and Europe. In 2019, the cultivation area was 40 000 ha distributed in the North, Atlantic and Pacific zones. Objective. To determine the presence of the pathogen Fusarium guttiforme, and to identify and characterize the present species of this genus, in the pineapple crop in Costa Rica. Materials and methods. 215 plants and 20 fruits were collected from different regions between the 2015-2019 in a total of 38 175 ha of the pineapple planted area through a sampling directed towards symptoms related to the ''descending death of pineapple''. For the morphological characterization observations were made of the color of the mycelium, details of structures such as macro and microconidia, chlamydospores and conidiogenic cells in samples previously identified by molecular means. Molecular identification was carried out from 120 isolates with the molecular markers ITS and TEF-1α. Results.F. guttiforme was not detected in pineapple plantations in the period between 2015-2019. Six species were identified, Fusarium ananatum, F. oxysporum, F. concolor, F. proliferatum, F. incarnatum and F. solani whose accession numbers in the National Center of Biotechnology Information are attached in this article. The species F. ananatum, F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum have been previously described as pathogenic in pineapple. The presence of F. ananatum in 95% of the collected fruit was related with the disease ''fruitlet core rot''. F. proliferatum is a generator of mycotoxins, which could represent a danger to animal and human health. The other species have not been reported in pineapple before. Conclusion. The presence of the pathogen F. guttiformewas not found, although there were identified the species of this genus, present in pineapple cultivation area in Costa Rica.

Resumen Introducción . La pimienta es una especie de la familia de la Piperaceae, originaria de la Costa de Malabar, situada en Kerala al sur de la India. En Costa Rica, las principales plantaciones de pimienta se localizan desde Upala hasta Talamanca, e incluye toda la franja costera y la parte baja de Sarapiquí. Según estudios de factibilidad, el país cuenta con el potencial para producir pimienta con altos parámetros de calidad. Sin embargo, las enfermedades vasculares son una de las principales limitantes del cultivo. Objetivo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue el aislamiento e identificación molecular y morfológica de las especies de Fusarium asociadas al cultivo de la pimienta (Piper nigrum L.) en 2 de las principales zonas productoras del país. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron treinta muestras de plantas enfermas de distintas fincas en las zonas de Sarapiquí y Guatuso, se describieron detalladamente los síntomas observados en el sistema radical y/o la base del tallo para cada una de las plantas recolectadas. Los veintiún aislamientos de Fusarium spp. obtenidos se identificaron molecularmente con la secuencia parcial del gen Factor de Elongación 1α (EF-1α) y para la identificación morfológica se utilizaron los medios de cultivo PDA y Carnation Leaf-piece Agar (CLA). Resultados y conclusiones. Se confirmó la presencia de Fusarium oxysporum en las muestras provenientes de Sarapiquí, así como la presencia de Fusarium solani en ambas zonas muestreadas. Se reporta por primera vez, la presencia de las especies Fusarium concentricum y Fusarium proliferatum asociadas a la marchitez vascular.

Abstract Introduction. Pepper is one of the Piperaceae family, native to the Malabar Coast, located in Kerala in Southern India. In Costa Rica, main pepper plantations are located from Upala to Talamanca including the entire coastal and lower strip of Sarapiquí. According to feasibility studies, Costa Rica has the potential to produce pepper with high quality parameters; however, vascular diseases are one of the main crop limitations. Objective. To isolatate, and molecularly and morphologically identify species of Fusarium associated with the cultivation of pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in 2 of the main productive areas of the country. Materials and methods. Thirty samples from diseased plants were collected from different farms located in Sarapiqui and Guatuso, symptoms observed in the radical system and/or the stem base were described in detail for each plant. The twenty one isolates of Fusarium spp. obtained were identified with the partial sequence of the molecular marker Elongation Factor 1α (EF-1α) gene and for the morphogical identification using the PDA and Carnation Leaf Agar (CLA) culture media were used. Results and conclusions. The presence of Fusarium oxysporum was confirmed in the samples from Sarapiquí, and the presence of Fusarium solani was confirmed in the samples from both areas. The presence of the species Fusarium concentricum and Fusarium proliferatum associated with vascular wilt is reported for the first time.

Neste estudo foi investigada a atividade no controle in vitro de Fusarium proliferatum, a composição química e a atividade antioxidante de oito extratos etanólicos de própolis (EEP) produzidos no Brasil, seis da região norte do estado de Mato Grosso, (EEP-1 até EEP-4, EEP-6 e EEP-7); um do estado da Bahia, Brasil (EEP-5) e a própolis verde do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil (EEP-8). Foi avaliado o efeito dos EEP na percentagem de inibição do crescimento micelial (PIC) e na esporulação de macroconídios e microconídios de Fusarium proliferatum e comparado com o controle (etanol 70%). Os extratos EEP-4 até EEP-8 a 2% apresentaram PIC significativos em relação ao controle. O EEP-8 a 2% se destacou com o mais alto PIC de Fusarium proliferatum e o maior potencial antioxidante. De entre os EEP que apresentaram ação antifúngica significativa os EEP-8 e EEP-4 apresentaram os maiores teores de flavonoides totais e o EEP-6 destacou-se com os teores superiores de fenólicos totais. Todos os EEP investigados, exceto o EEP1, provocaram redução de mais de 70% na esporulação de macroconídios. Os EEP-4 e EEP-8 apresentaram predominância dos flavonóides quercitina e campferol e o EEP-6 do ácido cafeico. Estes compostos antioxidantes podem ter contribuído para a atividade antifúngica dos extratos.

In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity against Fusarium proliferatum, chemical characteristics, and antioxidant potential of eight propolis ethanolic extracts (PEE) from Brazil-six from the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso (PEE-1 to PEE-4, PEE-6, and PEE-7), one from the state of Bahia (PEE-5), and the green propolis from Minas Gerais state (PEE-8). The percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PMGI), and macroconidia and microconidia sporulation of Fusarium proliferatum of these PEEs were evaluated and compared with that of the control (ethanol 70%). The 2% concentrations of PEE-4 to PEE-8 showed significant PMGI in relation to the control. PEE-8 at 2% stood out with the highest PMGI of Fusarium proliferatum and highest antioxidant potential. Among the PEEs that exhibited a significant antifungal action, PEE-8 and PEE-4 presented the highest total flavonoid content and PEE-6 stood out with the highest total phenolic content. Except PEE-1, all the extracts tested showed a reduction of more than 70% in the sporulation of macroconidia PEE-4 and PEE-8 presented predominance of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids and PEE-6 of caffeic acid. Therefore, the presence of these antioxidant compounds may have contributed to the antifungal activity of these extracts.

Resumen La producción de maracuyá en Colombia ha mostrado grandes avances; sin embargo, las enfermedades continúan siendo un factor limitante en la producción del mismo. Entre los agentes patógenos que dificultan el establecimiento y desarrollo del cultivo, se encuentran algunas especies del género Fusarium, consideradas de importancia económica por las pérdidas que generan. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar molecularmente las poblaciones de Fusarium presentes en maracuyá (Passiflora edulis). Entre enero y diciembre de 2015 se realizó el aislamiento de 35 muestras de diferentes órganos afectados de la planta y provenientes de localidades ubicadas en cinco municipios del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Se seleccionaron y purificaron ocho aislamientos pertenecientes al género de interés para realizar la extracción de ADN y amplificación de la región TEF 1 alpha. Los productos de PCR fueron secuenciados y comparados con las bases de datos del NCBI y del Fusarium ID. Los aislamientos pertenecían a: Fusarium incarnatum, Fusarium proliferatum y Fusarium solani, la primera especie fue la de mayor ocurrencia en las muestras evaluadas. En el análisis de las relaciones filogenéticas realizado mediante el programa MEGA 6, se usó el coeficiente de similitud del vecino más cercano, lo que permitió observar variabilidad entre los aislamientos evaluados.

Abstract The passion fruit’s production in Colombia has shown great advances; however, phytosanitary diseases remain as issues in passion fruit production. This includes the pathogens that hinder the establishment and development of the crop, such as some species of the genus Fusarium, pathogen considered as an important one because of the economic losses that it generates. The objective of this work was to molecularly identificate the populations of Fusarium associated with passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). Between January and December 2015, an isolation of 35 samples based on different affected organs of the plant and from localities found in five municipalities was performed in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Eight isolates were selected and purified in order to perform their DNA’s extraction and also an amplification of region TEF 1 alpha. The PCR products were sequenced and compared with the NCBI database and Fusarium ID. The results obtained by sequencing showed that the isolates belong to Fusarium incarnatum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium proliferatum, the first species had a mayor occurrence in the tested samples. The analysis of phylogenetic relationships was achieved by using the 6 MEGA program, and by using the similarity coefficient nearest neighbor, which allowed to observe the variability among the evaluated isolates.

RESUMO: A fusariose é uma das principais doenças da pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.var gasipaes Henderson). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar métodos de inoculação e a agressividade de isolados de cinco espécies de Fusarium à pupunheira. Demonstrou-se que Fusarium proliferatum pode infectar folhas, caule e raízes de pupunheira. Verificou-se que as espécies F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), F. verticillioides, F. solani species complex (FSSC) e Gibberella. fujikuroi species complex (GFSC) são patogênicas à pupunheira e, que o uso da quirera colonizada por Fusarium para inoculação de raízes foi efetivo e reduziu o nível de injúrias às plantas.

ABSTRACT: Fusarium wilt is a major disease which affects peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.var gasipaes Henderson). This study aimed to evaluate inoculation methods and aggressiveness of isolates of five Fusarium species on peach palm. Fusarium proliferatum can infect the leaves, stem, and roots of peach palm. F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), F. verticillioides, F. solani species complex (FSSC), and Gibberella fujikuroi species complex (GFSC) are pathogenic to peach palm. The use of Fusarium-colonized ground corn for root inoculation was effective and reduced the level of damage to plants.

Abstract Strawberry dry wilt (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) is the main disease in this crop at the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. It causes losses of up to 7.5 Mg ha-1 (50 % of the production). In Guanajuato this disease is associated with 14 fungi species, Fusarium oxysporum is the most common. The objective of this study was to assess the presence and current fungi frequency and identify other species associated with the disease. For which, plants with typical symptoms of the disease from 34 commercial plots were analyzed during the spring-summer cycles 2014 and 2015. The fungi identification was made by cultural and morphological characterization and sequencing amplification of transcribed spacer region (ITS) characteristics. Fungi from the Fusarium, Alternaria and Rhizoctonia genera had frequencies of 54, 36 and 11 % from 511 pure isolates obtained in 2014; and 60, 29 and 11 % from 833 pure isolates in 2015. ITS comparison identified F. oxysporum and F. verticillioides; in addition, F. proliferatum and four other species of this genus not previously reported in the crop. By culture and morphological characteristics, A. alternata was identified and isolated from root and crown damaged tissue. This is a new report from other species of Fusarium and Alternaria associated to strawberry dry wilt in Guanajuato, Mexico.

Resumen La secadera de la fresa (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) es la enfermedad principal de este cultivo en el estado de Guanajuato, México, y causa pérdidas de hasta 7.5 Mg ha-1 (50 % de la producción). En Guanajuato la enfermedad se asocia con 14 especies de hongos y Fusarium oxysporum es el más frecuente. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la presencia y frecuencia actual de los hongos e identificar otras especies asociadas con esa enfermedad, para lo cual se analizaron plantas con síntomas típicos de la enfermedad provenientes de 34 parcelas comerciales durante los ciclos primavera-verano 2014 y 2015. La identificación de los hongos se hizo mediante características culturales, morfológicas y amplificación y secuenciación de las regiones espaciadoras transcritas (ITS). Los hongos de los géneros Fusarium, Alternaria y Rhizoctonia tuvieron frecuencias de 54, 36 y 11 % de 511 aislados puros obtenidos en el 2014; y 60, 29 y 11 % de 833 aislados puros del 2015. Con la comparación de las ITS se identificó a F. oxysporum y F. verticillioides; además, a F. proliferatum y otras cuatro especies de este género no reportadas en el cultivo. Mediante características culturales y morfológicas se identificó a A. alternata aislada de tejido dañado de raíz y corona. Este es un reporte nuevo de otras especies de Fusarium y Alternaria asociadas con la secadera de la fresa en Guanajuato, México.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to identify Fusarium species causing root rot in wheat produced in the Bajío of Mexico, and to determine the response of 28 wheat varieties to this disease. Fusarium spp. isolates were obtained from samples with root rot symptoms in 2014 and 2015. The fungal isolates were identified by morphological characterization and sequence analysis of ITS and TEF-1a, and also using specific primers for the detection of Fusarium species. Pathogenicity of a representative isolate of each Fusarium species was verified by immersion of seeds of 28 wheat varieties in a conidial suspension. The results of the morphological characterization, sequence analysis, and pathogenicity tests indicated that Fusarium graminearum and F. proliferatum are the main species causing root rot in wheat grown in the Bajío of Mexico. In addition, the response to inoculation indicated that varieties Galvez M87, Castrejón F97, and Maya S2007 were the most tolerant to the disease, while Monarch Batan F96 and F2007 were more susceptible.

RESUMEN Los objetivos de este estudio fueron identificar las especies de Fusarium causantes de pudrición de raíz en trigos producidos en el Bajío de México, además de determinar la respuesta de 28 variedades de trigo a la enfermedad. En 2014 y 2015 se obtuvieron aislados de Fusarium spp. a partir de muestras de trigo con síntomas de fusariosis. Los aislados fúngicos se identificaron mediante caracterización morfológica y análisis de secuencias ITS y TEF-1a, así como el uso de iniciadores específicos para la detección de especies de Fusarium. Un aislado representativo de cada especie de Fusarium obtenida se incrementó para verificar su patogenicidad a través de la inmersión de semillas de 28 variedades de trigo en una suspensión de conidios. Los resultados de la caracterización morfológica y análisis de secuencias, así como las pruebas de patogenicidad, indicaron que Fusarium proliferatum y F. graminearum son las principales especies causantes de la pudrición de raíz en trigo cultivado en el Bajío de México. Entretanto, la respuesta a la inoculación indicó que las variedades Gálvez M87, Castrejón F97 y Maya S2007 fueron las más tolerantes a la enfermedad, mientras que Monarca F2007 y Batán F96 fueron las variedades más susceptibles.

Abstract The production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under irrigation in the Bajio region, Mexico, is mainly affected by leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). In recent years, other symptoms were observed in this region, such as leaf spots and blights, which also limit the productivity of the wheat varieties. In order to identify the fungi associated with these symptoms, leaves with blights and leaf spots were collected from 13 municipalities in the States of Guanajuato, Michoacan and Jalisco, Mexico, during the fall-winter agricultural cycles of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. The fungi identification was carried out using morphological methods, amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS). The identified pathogenic fungi were: Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. (Synonym: Helminthosporium sativum Pammel, CM King and Bakke), Alternaria alternata (Fr.:Fr), Septoria tritici, Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc., F. moniliforme (J. Sheld) (Syn. F. verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg), Curvularia spp., Cladosporium spp., the saprophytes Nigrospora spp., Torula spp., Epicoccum spp., and the antagonist fungus Chaetomium globosum Kunze ex. Fr. Although the phytopathogenic fungi frequency was low in both crop cycles, its existence in this region is a potential risk, as these fungi affect the foliage, and, if the grain is contaminated, it can rot when stored, or cause the root and stem rot when the seed is used for planting.

Resumen La producción de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) bajo riego en la región de El Bajío, México, es afectada principalmente la roya de la hoja (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) y la roya lineal amarilla (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). En años recientes, en esta región se observaron otros síntomas como tizones y manchas foliares que también limitan la productividad de las variedades de trigo sembradas. Para identificar a los hongos asociados con esta sintomatología, en este estudio se recolectaron hojas con síntomas de tizones y manchas foliares en 12 municipios de los estados de Guanajuato, Michoacán y Jalisco, en los ciclos agrícolas otoño-invierno 2012-2013 y 2013-2014. La identificación de los hongos se realizó con la morfología, la amplificación y la secuenciación de las regiones espaciadoras transcritas internas (ITS). Los hongos fitopatógenos identificados fueron Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. (Sinónimo: Helminthosporium sativum Pammel, C. M. King y Bakke), Alternaria alternata (Fr.:Fr), Septoria tritici, Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc., F. moniliforme (J. Sheld) (Sin. F. verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg), Curvularia spp., Cladosporium spp., los saprófitos Nigrospora spp., Torula spp., Epicoccum spp., y el hongo antagonista Chaetomium globosum Kunze ex. Fr. Aunque la frecuencia de los hongos fitopatógenos fue baja en ambos ciclos agrícolas, su presencia en esta región es un riesgo potencial porque estos hongos afectan el follaje y al contaminar el grano del trigo pueden causar pudriciones cuando está en el almacén y pudriciones de la raíz y tallo cuando las semilla se usa para la siembra.

The aim of this study was the cultural and morphological identification and characterization of sixteen isolates of Fusarium spp. from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds and plants. Colony color (surface and reverse) and texture, shape of the colony edges, presence of rings on the colony surface, and the linear growth, were the cultural variables evaluated. Size, shape, and color of the vegetative and reproductive structures were the morphological variables examined. A taxonomic key was used for identifying the fungi. All the isolate characteristics analyzed showed a great variability. It was identified the presence of Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, Fusarium nygamai Burgess & Trimboli, Fusarium dlamini Marasas, Nelson & Toussoun, and Fusarium phyllophilum Nirenberg & O’Donnell, all them represented by one isolate. Two isolates corresponded to Fusarium solani (Martius) Appel & Wollenweber emend. Snyder & Hansen and three to Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder& Hansen. According to its characteristics, one of the isolates remained as Fusarium sp. Cultural variability was observed among the isolates of a same species, which showed the possible presence of biotypes

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y caracterizar, cultural y morfológicamente, dieciséis aislamientos de Fusarium spp., presentes en semillas y plantas de garbanzo (Cicer arietinum L.) procedentes de zonas de Cuba. Las variables culturales evaluadas fueron: color de la colonia en el anverso y reverso, textura superficial, forma de los bordes, presencia de anillos en el anverso, crecimiento lineal; entre las morfológicas aparecen: tamaño, forma y color de las estructuras vegetativas y reproductivas. Para la identificación de los hongos se utilizó una clave taxonómica. Los aislamientos mostraron gran variabilidad en todos los caracteres analizados. Se identificó la presencia de Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima)Nirenberg, Fusarium nygamai Burgess & Trimboli, Fusarium dlamini Marasas, Nelson & Toussoun, Fusarium phyllophilum Nirenberg & O’Donnell, representados con un aislamiento, mientras que Fusarium solani (Martius) Appel & Wollenweber emend. Snyder & Hansen y Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder & Hansen, con dos y tres aislamientos, respectivamente, y uno que, de acuerdo a sus características, se mantuvo como Fusarium sp. Hubo variabilidad cultural entre aislados de una misma especie, lo que denota la posible presencia de biotipos

RESUMO Desde o ano 2000 é verificada a ocorrência da doença podridão da base do estipe (PBE), causada por Fusarium spp., em plantios de pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth. var. gasipaes Henderson). A PBE pode se tornar limitante para o cultivo da pupunheira, ocorrendo em plantas com diferentes idades. Tem-se verificado a presença do patógeno em sementes. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: avaliar a qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de oito lotes comerciais de sementes de pupunheira provenientes da região de Porto Velho - RO; avaliar dois métodos de detecção de Fusarium spp. em sementes; avaliar a patogenicidade e agressividade de isolados de Fusarium spp. obtidos de sementes ; avaliar o tratamento químico de dois lotes de sementes de pupunheira para o controle de Fusarium spp. Houve grande variação entre os lotes de sementes de pupunheira quanto à germinação, vigor e emergência de plântulas. Fusarium spp. pode ser transmitido das sementes para plântulas causando a doença PBE. A metodologia do papel-cartão para detecção de Fusarium spp. mostrou-se mais eficaz na recuperação deste patógeno em sementes de pupunheira. Os fungicidas tiofanato metílico+clorotalonil e tiofanato metílico controlaram Fusarium spp. em sementes de pupunheira. Fusarium oxysporum e Fusarium proliferatum, isolados de semente e plântula, respectivamente, foram patogênicos à pupunheira.

ABSTRACT Basal stem rotting (BSR), caused by Fusarium spp., has been observed in peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth. var. gasipaes Henderson) plantations in Brazil since 2000. The disease is a limiting factor to peach palm farming, damaging plants of different ages. The pathogen presence has been verified in seeds. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate the sanitary and physiological quality of eight commercial lots of peach palm seeds from Porto Velho, state of Rondonia, in Brazil; to compare two detection methods for Fusarium spp. in peach palm seeds; to evaluate pathogenicity and to compare aggressiveness of Fusarium spp. isolates from peach palm seeds; and to evaluate the chemical treatment of two peach palm seed lots for controlling Fusarium spp., about their effects on: a) sanitary effect; b) germination and vigor. The Fusarium spp. pathogenic may be transmitted by seeds to seedlings causing BSR disease. The paperboard methodology for Fusarium spp. detection proved to be more efficient for recovering this pathogen in peach palm seeds. The Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate Methyl and Thiophanate Methyl fungicides achieved the effective control over the target pathogen Fusarium spp. in peach palm seeds. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium proliferatum isolated from seed and seedling, respectively, were pathogenic to peach palm.

The present work was aimed to isolate microorganisms associated with the bud rot disease in oil palm. Samples of infected tissues were taken from plants with typical symptoms of the disease. They were washed with tap water for 15 minutes, disinfected with a 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 minutes, and finally washed with sterile distilled water. Tissue fragments were blot-dried on sterile filter paper in a laminar flow cabinet, placed on sterile 2% water agar, and incubated at 25ºC ± 1 for 2 to 7 days. The structures observed were transferred to sterile PDA (3.8%) and Nutrient Agar (2.8%) to isolate fungi and bacteria, respectively. Fusarium was the prevalent fungal genus, and the main species identified were Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder & Hansen, Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, and Fusarium solani (Martius) Appel & Wollenweber emend. Snyder & Hansen. Besides, Chalaropsis sp., Diplodia sp., and bacterial isolates belonging to the genus Erwinia were also identified.

El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de aislar los microorganismos asociados a la enfermedad Pudrición del Cogollo de la palma aceitera. Para ello, se seleccionaron plantas con manifestaciones de los síntomas característicos de la enfermedad y se tomaron fragmentos de los tejidos afectados. Las muestras se lavaron en agua corriente durante 15 minutos, luego se desinfectaron con hipoclorito de sodio al 2% (v/v) por 5 minutos y, finalmente, se lavaron con agua destilada estéril. Las secciones de tejidos se secaron en papel filtro estéril en cámara de flujo laminar y se colocaron en medio Agar Agua estéril al 2% y se incubaron a 25ºC± 1. Las estructuras observadas se sembraron en medios estériles PDA 3,8% y Agar Nutriente 2,8% para aislar los hongos y las bacterias, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron a Fusarium como el género asociado más prevalente, principalmente las especies Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder & Hansen, Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg y Fusarium solani (Martius) Appel & Wollenweber emend. Snyder & Hansen. Además, se aislaron Chalaropsis sp., Diplodia sp. y aislados bacterianos pertenecientes al género Erwinia.