Fungi Associated with Leaf and Stem Blight of Vanilla

Abstract

The study was carried out to isolate and identify fungi associated with leaf and stem blight of vanilla. The pathogens were isolated from the symptoms expressed on leaves and stem by direct tissue transplanting technique. Result showed that leaf blight was mainly associated with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phytophthora sp., Curvularia lunata, and stem rot with Fusarium oxysporum. Pathogenecity testing on detached leaves revealed that C. gloeosporioides and F. oxysporum were pathogenic causing deep sunken spots covered with dense mycelial mat and fruiting bodies.

Keywords: Vanilla, Curvularia lunata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phytophthora sp., Fusarium oxysporum