Author(s): SS Choudante, DJ Wankhade, Jadhav PK, Gholave KK, AS Deshmukh, VR Hinge and RL Chavhan

Abstract: Banana (Musa spp.) is a valuable horticultural crop worldwide. It grows primarily in hot, tropical areas from South and Central America to India, China, and Africa. Both as a table fruit and as a gourmet fruit, it is the most delicious. Banana plants, on the other hand, are more disease prone than other plants are due to their small genetic pool. The banana plantations in Maharashtra and other banana-growing areas in India are affected by Alternaria alternata species, which cause leaf spot disease. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the genetic diversity of Alternaria alternata species across a range of geographical regions. Isolates of 13 Alternaria alternata species were recovered from different Indian states. Mycelial color, pigmentation, and development pattern showed vast variability in the cultural and morphological characterization investigations. Thirteen isolates were classified into three groups based on their physical properties: fast, moderate, and slow developing. During molecular characterization, 29 (RAPD) random primers and 18 ISSR primers were evaluated, and 5 RAPD and 6 ISSR primers revealed repeatable banding patterns. The number of RAPD samples and ISSR marker data that were analyzed ranged from 67 to 87%. Thirteen Alternaria alternata isolates exhibited similar genetic characteristics. Based on similarity matrix data, the cluster analysis was able to divide 13 isolates into two basic groups. The presence of a genetically diverse population of Alternaria alternata species isolates was described in this study.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i2d.591