Genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. in pineapple ‘Pérola’ cultivar

This study aimed to determine the genetic variability of isolates of rotting of pineapple fruitlet core in Brazil on the states of Paraiba, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, based on phylogenetic analysis of the RPB2 gene, morphocultural markers and aggressiveness of the isolates. The phylogenetic reconstruction of maximum parsimony and bayesian inference of the isolates were performed. Twenty-seven phylogenetic lineages were characterized with morphocultural markers on potato dextrose agar and synthetic nutrient-poor agar. The aggressiveness of these lineages were characterized in leaves and fruits of pineapple ‘Pérola’ cultivar. The Phylogenetic reconstruction showed close relationship between isolates of this study and phylogenetic lineages of F. guttiforme , F. ananatum and F. oxysporum by analysis of RPB2 gene. Phylogenetic lineages of this study shared significant morphocultural markers similar to those described for this species. Overall, the lineages related with Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex were more aggressive to the fruits of the Fusarium lineages related with Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex. It is possible that F. ananatum and F. guttiform e or other lineages closely related to these species or F. oxysporum are present in the fields causing pineapple rotting fruitlet core in fruits of pineapple ‘Pérola’ in Brazil. The used markers determined high genetic variability in isolates analyzed in leaves and pineapple fruit ‘Pérola’ in the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte of Brazil and the pathogenic lineages analyzed were better adapted to the fruits than to the detached leaves in pineapple ‘Pérola’ analyzed.