Investigating the Host Range Potential of Fusarium equiseti Isolated from Tuberose Blossom Blight in Chilli and Tomato

Tuberose is a popular flower crops with a unique place in loose flower as well as cut flower category. It is a key component used in the creation of premium perfumes. Tuberose productivity is reducing due to lot of pest and disease attacks. Tuberose flower is affected by many fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. Fusarium species is a versatile fungal pathogen, known for its broad species concept and ability to survive in soil due to resistant chlamydospores. This study investigates the host range potential of F. equiseti, isolated from tuberose blossom blight (PP663913), by assessing its ability to cause Fusarium wilt in chilli and tomato plants. This present study included isolation and culture of F. equiseti, inoculation procedures using sand-maize media and root-dipping methods, and pathogenicity assessment. Morphological studies and genetic confirmation were conducted through microscopic examination, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and phylogenetic analysis. Results demonstrated successful infection of both chilli and tomato plants by F. equiseti. Chilli plants exhibited symptoms within 15 days post-inoculation, including leaf discolouration and inward curling. Tomato plants showed signs of infection after 8 days, with leaf firmness loss and color changes. Microscopic examination revealed fungal mycelium and spores in vascular tissues. Re-isolation and characterization confirmed the pathogen's identity. Morphological studies showed distinct features of Fusarium species in both isolates. Genetic analysis using ITS sequencing assigned unique accession numbers for chilli (PQ073350) and tomato (PQ074082) isolates, confirming their identity as F. equiseti. Phylogenetic analysis placed these isolates within the F. equiseti clade, supporting their identification and relationship to the known strains. The study expands our understanding of F. equiseti's host range and highlights its potential threat to diverse cropping systems.