Abstract
AbstractThe cultivation of açai palm, which yields tasteful and nutritional fruits, has been stimulated by the high commercial values of açai pulps; however, the occurrence of anthracnose (a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on açaí nursery and orchards has been a challenge for the shift from açaí extractivism to its cultivation. The interaction among endophytic fungi and host can change the plant disease severity, facilitating infection by phytopathogens and increasing its damage to plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antagonistic activity of five endophytic fungi against C. gloeosporioides, as well as to evaluate the anthracnose severity in açaí seedlings in response to the inoculation of the most promising of the tested endophytic fungus. First, in vitro evaluation showed that most of the fungi were able to grow over C. gloeosporioides mycelia. The endophytic fungi Graphium sp. 2.4765 and Hypoxylon anthochroum 2.4996 recorded the highest rates of growth inhibition, 79.3% and 77.0%, respectively. Because H. anthochroum 2.4996 presented better in vitro growth and spore production, it was chosen for subsequent evaluations. Second, in planta evaluation showed that the inoculation of H. anthochroum 2.4996 in diseased plants enhanced both the necrotic area in leaflets and disease symptoms. Third, comparative analyses based on the cultural, micromorphological and molecular characteristics have shown that such strain is related to H. anthochroum. Overall, this study highlights the complexity of the plant–microbe interactions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.