Mycelia growth and sporulation of Fusarium chlamydosporum species complex under different culture conditions

Abstract

The Fusarium genus exhibits morphological, physiological and genetic variation among its different species, which may lead to differences in the environmental conditions required for their cultivation. This study aimed to verify the effects of different culture media and lighting regimes on the mycelial growth and sporulation of Fusarium chlamydosporum species complex isolates that are pathogenic to Carya illinoinensis. Four isolates from infected Carya illinoinensis roots and inflorescences were selected; these isolates were purified and subsequently transferred to four different culture media: potato sucrose agar (PSA), water agar (WA), potato dextrose agar (PDA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA). The isolates were then submitted to three different lighting regimes: a photoperiod of 12 h (TL), continuous light (CL) and continuous darkness (CD). After seven days of incubation under the three lighting regimes, the mycelial growth was evaluated on PSA, WA and PDA, and sporulation was evaluated on PSA, WA, PDA and CLA. In general, PSA and BDA media support mycelial growth and sporulation, particularly under CL. CLA medium also supports sporulation, particularly under CL. The CD lighting regime and the WA medium are not recommended for either the mycelial growth or sporulation of the F. chlamydosporum species complex.