Characterisation of several isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis for the selection of fusarium-resistant oil palm varieties

Abstract

This work was aim to evaluate the pathogenicity and the level of aggressiveness of ten strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis (Foe) on palm oil seedlings susceptible to vascular wilt. For this purpose, the radial growth, sporulation and the morphological characteristics of ten strains of Foe from the farm palm of the Cameroon Development Corporation (South-west) were studied in vitro. In addition, 500 oil palm seedlings susceptible to vascular wilt and aged 5 months were distributed in a randomized complete block device, and inoculated with said strains. External symptoms of Fusarium wilt were observed on those seedlings and the correlation between these parameters was also investigated. The data collected in prenursery did not establish a significant difference in the aggressiveness of the isolates. However, regarding the pathogenicity, 7 strains have shown a high pathogenicity. As for the radial growth, strain F presented fastest growth was 8.12 cm in diameter, unlike the strainI whose growth was the lowest is 3.98 cm in diameter. The C strain is one that is abundantly sporulated126,5x105spores/ml; however, isolates B and J do not sporulate. No correlation was detected between the different parameters. But, considering the results obtained, the F and I strains could be the most aggressive and can potentially be used to test the timber yard of the specialized Centre for oil palm research of La DIBAMBA to select the most resistant to vascular wilt.