Diversidad de la microbiota fúngica de tuna (Opuntia ficus-indica (l.) mill.) en Tunshi, los Chingazos y Alacao de la provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine the diversity of the fungal microbiota in plantations of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) in Chimborazo Province. For the study, 18 samples of cladodes were gathered and subdivided in order to get 54 samples which showed particular lesions by fungal microorganisms and other apparently asymptomatic ones. In addition, one soil sample was gathered per locality. Direct and indirect isolations of the fungal microbial agents were carried out, as well as characterisation at the cultural level by direct observation and description of the colonies formed on PDA and modified Malta Agar culture media. Molecular characterisation was then carried out because of the pure cultures isolated by means of successive replicates. The conclusions obtained determined that the major strains of fungal microorganisms on prickly pear cladodes were Epicoccum, Fusarium, Clonostachys, Alternaria, Penicillium, Colletotrichum, Neopestalotiopsis, Hypoxylon, Nigrospora, Lasiodiplodia, showing symptoms such as necrosis, chlorotic spots, clefts, pustules and coloured halos.