Plant Pathology (2015) 64, 137-146

S.N. Costa, C.A.D. Bragança, L.R. Ribeiro, E.P. Amorim, S.A.S. Oliveira, M.A. Dita, F.F. Laranjeira and F. Haddad (2015)
Genetic structure of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in different regions from Brazil
Plant Pathology 64 (1), 137-146
Abstract: Panama disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is ranked among the most destructive diseases of banana. The use of resistant varieties is the most desirable and effective control measure. Information on the pathogen population structure is essential, as durability of the resistance and effective cultivar deployment are strongly linked to this structure. In this study, 214 Foc isolates from different banana producing states in three regions of Brazil (northeastern, southeastern and southern) were analysed. Initially, nine microsatellite markers (SSR) were tested, which revealed 52 distinct haplotypes distributed in the different geographical regions and cultivars. While amova analysis showed that 68·01% of the total variation occurred within states, correlation between genetic and geographical distances was only found in the southern region. Results indicated that isolates from different states comprise a single population, which is predominantly clonal. When isolates representing different haplotypes were inoculated in four banana cultivars, differences in severity were found, with the high severity values being caused by isolates from haplotypes H7, H31 and H41. The diversity found here points to the need for additional studies, as this characteristic may be related to Foc's evolutionary potential and possibly to its ability to overcome the resistance from breeding programme-generated cultivars. This is the most comprehensive study on population biology of Foc in Brazil.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Francisco F. Laranjeira, Miguel Angel Dita

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Panama disease of banana	Banana/plantain (Musa)
	Fusarium oxysporum	Banana/plantain (Musa)