Pathogenicity of a putative Fusarium circinatum isolate on Pinus seedlings in Zimbabwe
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Pine plantations comprise 68% of commercial timber plantations in Zimbabwe. This study aimed to identify the primary pathogen of Fusarium-like symptoms in pine nurseries in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and to perform pathogenicity testing of Fusarium species on pine species. Symptoms akin to those of F. circinatum were noted on Pinus patula seedlings in the Nyanga Pine nursery in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. The seedlings remained in the greenhouse for two weeks, following which measurements were conducted. Seedlings were maintained on the Astra campus and irrigated bi-daily. After two weeks, seedlings were transferred to the laboratory and incised along the stem for lesion observation and measuring. Culture morphologies exhibiting a whitish to pinkish-purple hue and rapid growth (6 mm diameter MEA plate colonised by mycelium within three days) were characteristic of F. circinatum. Pathogenicity assessments indicated that both P. patula and P. elliottii seedlings exhibited significant susceptibility to F. circinatum. Pine plantations in Zimbabwe will face significant challenges due to disease issues, necessitating the establishment of a comprehensive research program to support tree growers and foresters in addressing these concerns. Pitch canker, caused by F. circinatum, presents significant challenges to Zimbabwean nurseries, leading to economic losses; therefore, further study on pine diseases is essential to identify potential disease outbreaks. Utilising DNA techniques for pathogen identification enhances the precision of results regarding the pathogen.
