Identification of fungal disease in a Vanilla planifolia Jacks plantation in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen

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The state of Veracruz is the main producer of vanilla in Mexico. In recent years, this crop has been seriously affected by severe phytosanitary problems caused mainly by fungal pathogens. For this reason, it was proposed to develop this study with the objective of determining the causal agents of the disease, incidence, and severity observed in a vanilla plantation located in the locality "El Palmar," Municipality Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz. A census sampling was carried out on one hectare of the plantation to determine the incidence of the disease. Disease severity per plant was determined using a 4-grade scale. Leaves and stems with disease symptoms were collected for morphological description of the pathogenic agents by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the presence of two species of phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae and Puccinia sinanoemea, known to cause root rot and rust diseases in vanilla. The infection resulted in the death of most individuals in the plantation. The incidence was classified as severe (a grade of 4), with 80% infestation by both pathogens. This study contributes to the understanding of the phytosanitary problems this crop faces due to mixed infections of fungal pathogens.