Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fusarium spp Associated with Solanaceous Seeds in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The Solanaceae family, comprising tomato, pepper, chili, and eggplant, plays a pivotal role in agriculture in Burkina Faso. However, these crops face significant biotic challenges, notably from fungi of the Fusarium genus, which are responsible for severe diseases and yield losses that can reach up to 80%. Beyond their devastating effects on both the quantity and quality of harvests, these pathogens also produce mycotoxins that compromise food safety. This study aims to enhance the production of Solanaceous crops by characterizing the Fusarium fungal agents associated with their seeds in Burkina Faso. A sanitary analysis of 400 seeds per seed type (both disinfected and non-disinfected) identified 11 fungal genera, including Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Didymella, Epicoccum, Melanospora, Spirodactylon, Rhizopus, and Stachybotrys, with varying proportions depending on the genus. Among these, Fusarium spp. predominated, even after disinfection, though fungal diversity and contamination rates were lower. Microscopic and molecular analyses revealed several Fusarium species, including F. solani, F. proliferatum, F. incarnatum, and F. equiseti. Pathogenicity tests showed a high incidence of Fusarium wilt on seedlings, with variability based on the isolates and crops. Specifically, isolates T2F, P3F, and Pi1F exhibited particularly aggressive behavior on tomato, pepper, and chili, respectively. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective seed management to limit the spread of these pathogens and safeguard agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso.