Cunninghamella elegans causing cassava root rot in Vietnam

Abstract

Root rot is an important disease of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Vietnam, little is known about the pathogenic fungi associated with these diseases. In May 2019, fungi were isolated from roots of cassava plants showing typical root rot disease collected from Tay Ninh province, a major cassava cultivating region of Vietnam. Several isolated fungi were identified as Cunninghamella elegans (VTCC 930,028) causing root rot based on morphological characteristics. The identification of one fungus was confirmed by analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). Pathogenicity tests were conducted to satisfied Koch's postulates. This is the first report of cassava root rot caused by Cunninghamella elegans in Vietnam. These results will improve our knowledge of the pathogens involved in root rot of cassava and will help design strategies to manage the disease of this crop.