Diversidad genética de hongos asociados a Hemileia vastatrix (roya), en diferentes poblaciones del cultivo de café (Coffea arábica), mediante el marcador molecular ITS-5.8S DNArn, en la provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Hemileia vastatrix coffee rust has become an epidemic in coffee production locally and globally. However, very little is known about the fungal diversity associated with rust, which could help solve problems of resistance and biological control. Under this premise, the current study sought the molecular identification of the genetic diversity of the fungi associated with coffee rust, with the help of the ITS-5.8S DNArn region. The results reflected diversity of Basidiomycetes genotypes in the samples collected in Calvas and showed the Ascomycetes as the most diverse group and mostly distributed in the farms. The main groups of genotypes were located within the genera Bullera, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, Didymella, Hannaella, Lecanicillium, Meira, Mycosphaerella, and Simplicillium. Species of Colletotrichum, Cladosporium and Lecanicillium were corroborated when found (macro- microscopically) around rust lesions. The molecular diversity of the fungi found in association with rust leaves many questions, mainly about their functionality, since they may be acting to control the rust, or simply as external agents.