Characterization of Collectotrichum musae Populations from Various Banana Cultivars and Relation of Virulence with Hydrolytic Enzyme Production

摘要

Colletotrichum musae isolates were obtained from fruit of different banana cultivars in market samples from various locations of Tamil Nadu showing severe crown rot symptoms. Isolates varied significantly for morphological traits like colony colour, spore size and spore production on potato dextrose agar. An apparent relation was detected between sporulation capacity and virulence of the C. musae isolate. These isolates also exhibited a significant variation in rot severity and virulence on fruits inoculated under laboratory condition. Highly virulent and virulent isolates of C. musae isolates showed higher enzyme activity levels particularly in cellulase (Cx), polygalacturonase (PG) and polygalacturonate trans-eliminase (PGTE) compared to medium and less virulent isolates. The virulence of C. musae isolates appeared to be positively related to the production of hydrolytic enzymes.