Rapid Pathological Characterisation of Deightoniella torulosa by Artificial Inoculation of Three Varieties of Banana and Plantain

Aims: Banana and plantain contribute to food security in Côte d'Ivoire. However, one of the major difficulties arising in its production remains parasitic constraints causing the loss of production. Among these constraints, leaf diseases cause more damage.

Methodology: This study was initiated to analyse the nature of host-pathogen interactions (resistance or sensitivity) between the fungus Deightoniella torulosa and certain varieties of banana and plantain in Côte d'Ivoire. The pathogenicity of the fungus was measured from artificial inoculation on leaf fragments that were kept alive on a specific culture medium in Petri dishes. This medium consisted of agar amended with Benzimidazole. Leaf’ fragments that survived inoculation of spore suspensions, exhibited the characteristic symptoms of the fungus Deightoniella torulosa. The impact of the fungus on the degradation of chlorophyll was noted.

Results: The results showed that the strains of Deightoniella torulosa have a pathogenic activity on the banana trees. The concentration of 75 μM of Benzimidazole incorporated into the survival medium can be used for inoculation tests on leaf fragments.

Conclusion: The Grande Naine cultivar could be used as a control indicator for D. torulosa.