Characterization of Kenyan Isolates of Fusarium udum from Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] by Cultural Characteristics, Aggressiveness and AFLP Analysis |
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| Authors: | E. K. Kiprop J. P. Baudoin A. W. Mwang'ombe P. M. Kimani G. Mergeai A. Maquet |
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| Affiliation: | Authors' addresses: Department of Botany, Moi University, PO Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya;;Phytotechnie tropicale et Horticulture, Facultéuniversitaire des Sciences agronomiques de Gembloux, Passage des Déportés, 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium;;Department of Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya;;Department of Crop Science, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya;;European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Food Protections Unit, I 21020 Ispra, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Isolates of Fusarium udum from pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) plants with wilt symptoms were collected from various districts in Kenya and were characterized using cultural characteristics, aggressiveness and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). The 56 isolates of F. udum showed a high level of variability in aerial mycelia growth, pigmentation and radial mycelia growth (colony diameter) on potato dextrose agar. The aggressiveness of 17 isolates of F. udum on seven pigeonpea varieties varied and five aggressive groups were observed in the present study. There were no relationships among cultural characteristics and aggressiveness. AFLP analysis of the 56 isolates was tested for genetic variability using seven primer combinations. A total of 326 fragments was generated of which 121 were polymorphic. Ten AFLP groups were identified among the Kenyan isolates and, although they were not genetically distinct, six AFLP subgroups were genetically distinct. AFLP had no relationship with cultural characteristics, aggressiveness and geographical origin of the isolates. This is the first report on the study of genetic variability of F. udum using DNA analysis. |
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| Keywords: | Aggressiveness amplified fragment length polymorphism Fusarium udum Cajanus cajan Kenya |
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