PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. CUBENSE CAUSING PANAMA WILT IN BANANA

Abstract

Panama wilts of banana caused Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense is an important and destructive disease of Karnataka and many other banana growing states of India. The effect of temperature, pH levels and light spectra on mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense was investigated. The fungus grew at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35ºC, with optimum growth and sporulation at 25ºC and least growth and sporulation was observed at 15 and 35ºC. The most suitable pH level for the growth was ranged from 5-7 with respect different isolates. The growth was reduced under different light spectra when compared to alternate cycles of light and darkness.