Abstract

PABON-BAQUERO, Diana et al. Chitosan effects on phytopathogenic fungi and seed germination of Jatropha curcas L.. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2015, vol.21, n.3, pp.241-253. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2014.10.051.

Jatropha curcas is a plant with great agricultural and industrial potential. In this study, two fungal species were isolated from ungerminated seeds. The fungal isolates were morphologically and molecularly identified as Fusarium equiseti and Curvularia lunata. Effects of chitosan on mycelial growth, sporulation and spore germination of F. equiseti and C. lunata were evaluated. In addition, its effect on seed germination of J. curcas was studied. The results showed that all tested chitosan concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg·mL^-1) inhibited the mycelial growth of the fungi. Sporulation and spore germination responses differed depending on the fungal species. Chitosan completely inhibited sporulation of C. lunata and spore germination of F. equiseti. Inoculation with F. equiseti and C. lunata reduced seed germination of J. curcas by 20 and 26.6 %, respectively. However, application of chitosan before inoculation inhibited pathogenic activity. Therefore, chitosan did not affect seed germination and caused inhibitory effects on F. equiseti and C. lunata. This is the first report on the effect of chitosan on J. curcas.

Keywords : Fungal diseases; polymer; oil seeds; Fusarium equiseti; Curvularia lunata.

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