CHARACTERIZING FUSARIUM PATHOGENS IN BURKINA FASO RICE SEEDS THROUGH GENETIC PROFILING

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital global food crop and economic resource, particularly in Africa. Burkina Faso, with rice cultivation in all 13 administrative regions, exhibits notable production concentrations in Hauts Bassins (16.97%), the East (15.02%), Centre-Est (14.82%), Boucle du Mouhoun (14.44%), and Cascades (10.91%). Fusarium species pose a significant threat to rice, with Fusarium-induced diseases affecting 80% of global crop plants. This study delves into the prevalence of fungal diseases, specifically those within the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex, including F. verticillioides, F. sacchari, F. subglutinans, F. proliferatum, F. andiyazi, and F. fujikuroi. Such diseases have a widespread presence, impacting agricultural crops globally.Fusarium species like F. graminearum, F. poae, and F. avenaceaum cause severe damage to cereals. Rice, in particular, is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including the emerging threat of Bakanae disease, known for inflicting substantial yield losses in Pakistan (10-50%), India (15-25%), and Nepal (40%). Bakanae disease is attributed to one or more Fusarium species and manifests with seedling blight, root and crown rot, stunting, and distinctive symptoms induced by gibberellin, a pathogen-produced hormone. However, the presence of multiple Fusarium species within the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex complicates their differentiation.