INVESTIGATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC AND SAPROPHYTIC Fusarium SPECIES IN THE AGRICULTURAL FIELDS SOIL LAYERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Identification and understanding the distribution pattern of the Fusarium species can help prevent crop diseases and large yield losses. The objectives of this study were isolation and morphological identification of the main Fusarium pathogens from soil layers of cotton fields in Uzbekistan. A total of 18 isolates of Fusarium were recovered from soil samples. These isolates were morphologically characterized based on variables as mycelial growth, sporulation, macroconidia length and width, microconidia formation, pigmentation of colonies and formation of chlamydospore, and tested for pathogenicity. 8 isolates were identified as Fusarium oxysporum and 10 as Fusarium solani. Pathogenicity test results indicated that 37,5% (3 out of 8) isolates of Fusarium oxysporum were avirulent and 62,5% (5 out of 8) were virulent. 60% (6 out of 8) isolates of Fusarium oxysporum were avirulent and 62,5% (5 out of 8) were virulent.

Isolates of Fusarium species identified and deposited into the Microbial Culture Collection in the frame of this study can help improve the management control strategies of these soil-borne fungi and create valuable resources for the sustainable use of microbial diversity and its conservation.