International Journal of Modern Science and Technology · ISSN 2456-0235

Research Article · Biological Sciences · Volume 5, Issue 8 · Aug 2020 · Pages 210–217

Assessment of Variability of Different Phytophthora colocasiae Populations in Western Kenya

J. Wegulo, N. K. Rop, E. Kiprop, B. Were

  • J. Wegulo: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya.
  • N. K. Rop: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya.
  • E. Kiprop: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya.
  • B. Were: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, Kenya.

Abstract

Characterization of the fungus Phytophthora colocasiae and variability in the DNA of 14 of its isolates was assessed in this study. The occurrence of the Taro leaf blight disease which was assessed using severity and incidence showed that areas with high rainfall of about 2000 mm per annum, high temperatures of about 31°C had higher disease incidences of about 89% whereas the higher altitude areas with lower temperatures and high rainfall showed lower incidences (about 74%) but higher severity scores or a total leaf loss on the plant. Variability among P. colocasiae isolates collected from different fields was assessed using RAPD markers, 99% were polymorphic. There was apparent correlation of the genetic variability of the fungus to the agro ecological conditions in the region of origin of the fungus. The results of this study displayed a high degree of genetic variation among the isolates from the various agro ecological regions further illustrating that the different environmental conditions and human influence have an effect on the genetic constitution of the fungus in different regions growing taro in western Kenya.

Keywords

Phytophthora colocasiae; Assessment; Variability; RAPD marker; Western Kenya

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