ARS | Publication request: Fungal diversity associated with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in Puerto Rico

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 4, 2009
Publication Date: September 9, 2009
Citation: Serrato, L.M., Rivera, L.I., Goenaga, R.J. 2009. Fungal diversity associated with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in Puerto Rico. American Phytopathological Society Abstracts. 100: S176.

Technical Abstract: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an exotic tropical fruit of increasing importance in international markets, and that has awakened great interest from farmers in Puerto Rico. During 2008 and 2009, fruit rot and lesions on leaves, branches, and flowers were observed in rambutan orchards through the island. To examine fungal diversity associated with rambutan, samples from different organs were collected in symptomatic and asymptomatic trees. Plant tissue was superficially disinfected and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar to promote the development of fungi. A total of 311 fungal isolates were obtained, which include 19 genera. Based on morphology, the following species have been identified: Beltrania rhombica, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Botryosphaeria spp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum spp. Curvularia spp. Cylindrocladium spp. Dolabra nepheliae, Fusarium spp., Gliocephalotrichum bulbilium, Lasmenia spp., Phomopsis spp. and Septoria spp. Pathogenicity tests are in progress under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, using seedlings and detached fruit. PCR amplification of the rDNA ITS region and the ß-tubulin gene will complement morphological identification of fungi.