First Report on the Occurrence and Morpho-Molecular Identification of Fusarium Solani Causing Wilt Disease in Blackgram (Vigna Mungo L.) In the Punjab Region of Pakistan

Abstract

In July and August 2023 and 2024, typical wilt-disease symptoms were seen in several blackgram accessions/genotypes at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan. Therefore, the present research was carried out to characterize the pathogen(s) linked with wilt-disease in blackgram using morphological and molecular approaches. Based on morpho-cultural characteristics (such as colony colour, growth-habit, number, shape and conidia and chlamydospores) and molecular identification using genus specific primer for Fusarium spp. and Fusarium solani, the associated pathogen was identified as F. solani from 42% samples. Pathogenicity test of fungus F. solani was proved on a susceptible accession “38272” planted in paper-cups under glasshouse conditions and in earthen pots under a glasshouse. Blackgram has been grown for a long time; however, this is the new report of F. solani causing wilt-disease in blackgram worldwide. These findings highlight the need to implement effective disease management strategies to reduce future economic losses caused by F. solani in blackgram-growing areas.