Molecular and morphological characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causing wilt disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Karnataka

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the one of the most important vegetable crop globally, but its production and quality are known to be largely affected by many pests and diseases. One of the major hindrances to tomato production is the fungal wilt disease caused by Fusarium spp. In the current study we isolated, visually examined and characterized the fungal pathogen both morphologically and at the molecular level by employing standard techniques for tissue isolation, microscopic observations and PCR methods. Under the microscope, morphological features like white to whitish pink mycelium with prominent septations, sickle shaped conidia with prominent septations and smooth walled spherical micro conidia were observed. To investigate deeper into their genetic makeup, the molecular characterization of pathogens was done by amplification, sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer and phylogenetic analysis. This allowed us to gain insights into the genetic identity of this pathogen. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis shed light on the evolutionary relationships within the group of fungi we studied. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of Fusarium spp. in the context of tomato cultivation and offers valuable knowledge for disease management and sustainable tomato production.