G.R. T. Noumbo¹, D.A. Fontem², J.B. Nyumia¹ and C. Iloba³.

¹Department of Plant Biology

University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon

²Plant Protection Department

University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon

³Crop Science Department

University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Phytophthora infestans is the most important pathogen of solanaceous vegetables in Cameroon. However, research on this fungus is usually limited due to the difficulty of culturing the pathogen on common agar media, such as potato dextrose agar medium. Three culture media, rye A agar, V-8 agar and chickpea agar were assessed for in vitro mycelial growth and sporulation of P. infestans. The isolates were incubated at 18-21°C in the dark. Mycelial growth and sporulation were rated on each medium after ten and twenty one days, respectively. Mycelial growth was larger on rye A followed by chickpea, while the highest number of sporangia was recorded on V-8 medium. Rye A and chickpea media supported mycelial growth and V–8 encouraged sporulation of P. infestans. V-8 agar medium was preferred over the other media for the culture of P. infestans.

Keywords: Phytophthora infestans, culture media, growth, sporulation.