Fusarium solani associated with Cedrela odorata and Swietenia macrophylla and their sensitivity to conventional fungicides

Abstract

Background / Objective. In the state of Yucatan, Mexico, 10 million forest plants were produced in the last five years for various conservation and restoration actions. The main limitations in the production of these plants in nursery are disease induced by the genus Fusarium spp., that cause stem and root rots and plant production losses of up to 50%. The objective of the work was to identify the causal agent associated with stem and root rot and necrosis of cedar (Cedrela odorata) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and their in vitro sensitivity to conventional fungicides. Materials and Methods. C. odorata and S. macrophylla plants were collected at three and six weeks of germination, respectively, with symptoms of necrosis and rot indicated; from where five fungal isolates were obtained and morphologically and molecularly identified. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of spores and the Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLC) of six conventional fungicides of recurrent application in the region (Prochloraz, Carbendazim, Benomyl, Fosetyl Al, Captan and Mancozeb) were determined in vitro by the microdilution method and validate their effectiveness and viability in the management of this problematic. Results. The morphology and molecular sequences of the isolates were similar to the reported for Fusarium solani. The MIC of F. solani spores for Prochloraz, Carbendazim, Benomyl, Captan and Mancozeb were 2.44. 11.38, 14.06, 7.81 and 7.81 ppm, respectively; Fosetyl Al, did not inhibit spore germination normal mycelial growth of the fungus was observed at the concentration evaluated. Conclusion. Prochloraz and Mancozeb had the lowest MLC with 2.44 and 7.81 ppm, respectively.