Characterisation and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Yellowing Disease in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Yellowing disease has become one of the main threats to black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) production. This study was conducted isolate and characterize Fusarium species associated with yellowing based on morphological molecular characteristics, evaluate their pathogenicity pepper. Fungal isolates were recovered from symptomatic plants located in major growing areas Sarawak. Based a total 73 identified. Genomic DNA sequence analysis nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) had confirmed identity isolates. The four identified F. solani (90.4%), oxysporum (5.5%), concentricum (2.7%), mangiferae (1.4%). characterisation, grouped into two distinct morphotypes, morphotype I II. Phylogenetic shown high level intraspecific variation among clades formed found correspond grouping. Pathogenicity test showed that all are pathogenic incidence severity. provides new insights pepper, highlights genetic variability result calls for critical revision current strategies management, resistance breeding programs