Author:
Sauer Aline Vanessa,Tozze Júnior Hugo José,Spósito Marcel Bellato,Feichtenberger Eduardo Feichtenberger,Colauto Nelson Barros,Paccola-Meirelles Luzia Doretto,Massola Júnior Nelson Sidnei
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize culturally, enzymatically and pathogenically Alternaria alternata isolates obtained of tangerine/tangor (TP) and rough lemon (RLP). Significant differences were observed regarding mycelial growth speed and sporulation of isolates when cultivated in starch-agar (SA), potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and tomato juice agar (V8) media. SA and PDA media promoted better mycelial growth and sporulation, respectively. Eight genetic similarity groups were defined through isoenzymatic characterization but without correlation between isolates and host or site of origin. All isolates produced amylase, cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectynase; however, no lipolytic or proteolytic activity was observed. Disease incubation period varied between 24 to 48 h for all isolates in all phenological stages of the inoculated fruit. Symptomatic fruit incidence in most tangerine and tangor isolates was higher in stage F3 compared to stages F4 and F5. Alternaria alternata have the ability to perform hyphal anastomosis indicating that this can be a mechanism used by the fungus to increase genetic variability.