Culture medium and inoculation methodology for the study of soft root rot caused by Phytopythium sp.

ABSTRACT: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important crop in Brazil and Pará is the major producer of roots. High temperature and humidity of tropical regions favor the development of various diseases, among them the cassava root rot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of luminosity and culture medium on the mycelial growth and sporulation of Phytopythium sp. associated with different methods of inoculation on cassava roots. In vitro tests for pathogen growth were established in a 2 x 6 factorial design (luminosity x culture medium) with five replicates and the means were compared by t test (P≤0.05). The culture medium containing sweet cassava root produced greater mycelial development and higher pathogen sporulation and it was the most suitable medium for pathogen culture. The culture under absence of light generated better mycelial growth than culture under 12 hour of light. Regarding the type of inoculation, the response was better when deeper injuries were induced.