In vitro analysis of the infection of Dasheen (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) plantlets by Pseudomonas fulva

Abstract

This study reports the plant–microbe association of Pseudomonas sp with Cocoyam or dasheen (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in vitro derived plant matter. The phytopathogen, isolated from infected dasheen leaves obtained from the field, was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity as Pseudomonas fulva, and its partially sequenced genome also confirmed by GenBank. Pseudomonas sp have not been implicated as a bacterial plant pathogen of the edible aroids. In vitro
dasheen plantlets developed chlorotic and necrotic symptoms over the 18 days of the infection study which lead to the loss of structural coherence and the disintegration of vital plant organs. The findings of this investigation facilitate the introduction of Pseudomonas sp as a phytopathogen of in vitro derived dasheen (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) plantlets, and will provide valuable information for creating an awareness for stakeholders involved in the cultivation and export of this tuber crop. This study indicates the first approach towards further investigating the means for control of Pseudomonas fulva infection of Colocasia esculenta plants in the field, with a view to increasing the production of this fresh produce.