Sclerotium rolfsii as a component in the pathological complex that causes dry root rot in tanier (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, isolated from tanier (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) planted in propagation chambers in the greenhouse in the USDA-ARS-TARS facilities at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico was used to artificially inoculate tanier plants cv. Amarilla del País developed from tissue culture. The inoculated plants were smaller and developed chlorosis and severe root rot symptoms under greenhouse conditions. The symptoms were consistent with those associated with dry root rot in tanier seen in commercial fields ¡n Puerto Rico. The results indicate that the fungus S. rolfsii is an additional component in the pathological complex that causes dry root rot in tanier.