Identification and characterization of some phytopathogenic fungi in post-harvest potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the El Oued Region (Eastern Northern Sahara, Eastern Algeria)

Abstract

The global staple crop, the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), is susceptible to post-harvest rot caused by various fungal pathogens.These pathogens lead to a significant reduction in potato quality and marketable yield. Our study aimed to isolate and identify different phytopathogenic fungi present on potato tubers after harvest in the El Oued region of Eastern Sahara, Algeria. We utilized Potato’s Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium for isolating and identifying molds. Macroscopic examination was performed with the naked eye and under a binocular microscope. Microscopic examination allowed us to determine certain morphological characteristics such as spore type and thallus shape. Total genomic DNA was extracted from seven-day-old cultures using a commercial NucleoSpin Plant II kit.Based on morphological features and molecular analyses of spore isolates, using nucleotide sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the results of 18S rDNA analysis confirmed that the fungi infesting the tubers were identified as Fusarium proliferatum, Alternaria alternaria, Rhizoctonia solani, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. This study represents the first report of Fusarum proliferatum,Alternaria alternate,Rhizooctonia solani and wickerhamommces anomalus causing wilt diseases, dry rot, Canker and black scurf of potato tubers in southern Algeria.