Identification of the pathogen associated with the wilt of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Guar (Cluster bean) is a major source of guar gum which is extensively used in petroleum, food and pharmaceutical industry. This study was undertaken to identify the pathogens associated with wilt. Cultural and morphological studies showed that the pathogen associated with wilt is Fusarium spp. on the basis of microconidia and macroconidia. The microconidia were round hyaline, one-two celled and size ranged from 4.03–10.45 μm in length and 1.84–2.24 μm in width, whereas macroconidia were hyaline, sickle shaped with 3–5 septation varied from 13.87–16.44 μm in length and 1.88–1.92 μm in width. Molecular characterization revealed that the test sample converged with Fusarium solani EGY 1 (accession no. JQ837837.1). Hence the pathogen associated with wilt of guar in present study was identified and confirmed as Fusarium solani strain EGY 1.