Molecular and morphocultural characterization and identification of
pathogenic species of Fusarium fujikuroi complex related to pineapple
Name: RAÍSSA DEBACKER MOURA
Publication date: 23/03/2021
Advisor:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| JOSE AIRES VENTURA (M/D) | Advisor * |
Examining board:
| Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| GREICIANE GABURRO PANETO | Internal Examiner * |
| JOSE AIRES VENTURA (M/D) | Advisor * |
| PATRICIA MACHADO BUENO FERNANDES (M/D) | Internal Examiner * |
Summary: Fusarium has economic and social importance because it has species that cause diseases
in humans, animals, and plants, in addition to the production of mycotoxins. Fusarium
fujikuroi Species Complex (FFSC) demonstrates morphological and phylogenetic
similarity, making differentiation and diagnosis processes difficult. In this complex,
Fusarium guttiforme and Fusarium ananatum are considered the etiologic agents of
fusariosis and black spot in pineapples, respectively. Such diseases cause losses in
pineapple production and their control depends on the correct identification of the species.
Morphocultural characterization, analysis of genetic diversity, and the development of new
diagnostic tools are essential to support phytosanitary, epidemiological services, and the
development of resistant cultivars. A new culture medium for F. guttiforme and F.
ananatum induce the production of macroconidia and it was helpful in the differentiation of
both species. Phylogenetic and molecular characterization analyzes of genes related to
the Mating type (MAT) of Fusarium populations associated with black spot and fusariosis
symptoms in Espirito Santo, allowed to determine the occurrence of high genetic variability
of F. guttiforme populations in pineapple producing regions due to the evolutionary
pressure, obtaining 49.1 % and 44.6 % of the MAT 1-2 and MAT 1-1 + MAT 1-2 genes,
respectively, and 6.4% of the MAT 1-1 gene. 99% of the fungus population has
beauvericin (BEA) gene, demonstrating the great potential for producing this mycotoxin.
The use of High Resolution Melting (HRM) proved to be a new biotechnological tool for the
diagnosis of both Fusarium species in pineapple, being a new method of robust and
effective diagnosis. The new morphocultural and molecular markers contribute to the
taxonomy of FFSC fungi associated with pineapples and enable new strategies in
epidemiology research and control of the etiological agent of fusariosis.
