Characterization of pestalotioid associated leaf spots on mango in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to mango production. The aim of this study is to characterize the pestalotioids, fungi capable of causing leaf spots on the mango tree in Burkina Faso. The isolates were characterized on the basis of the mycelial growth rate, the color and texture of the colony on PDA culture medium, the length and width of the conidia were the appreciated variables. Mycelial explants were inoculated on detached leaves. The results revealed the presence of black acervuli in concentric circles or filamentous with pycnidiospores of five cells, fusiform or straight. The conidia had an average size of 23.47 × 5.42 μm. These morphological characteristics are similar to Pestalotiopsis spp. one of the genera of pestalotioids found on the mango tree. Irregular dark brown to greyish necrosis was observed on the inoculated leaves. Lesions size ranged from 7.32 to 8.75 cm 14 days after incubation. This study allowed to identify Pestalotiopsis spp. on the mango tree in Burkina Faso. In view of its importance as a phytopathogen, genetic and phenotypic diversity studies should be conducted to determine the species present on the mango tree.