Mycelia Growth and Sporulation of Phytophthora colocasiae Isolates under Selected Conditions

This work was carried out at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yaoundé Nkol bisson.Ten improved and four local cultivars of taro were used to carry out a pathogenicity test of Phytophthora colocasiae isolates from which one virulent isolate from both improved cultivar BL/SM123, and BL/SM120, were selected and subsequently used in determining the effect of Original Research Article media, temperature, pH, and light on growth parameters-mycelia growth and spores density.There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) on the growth media for the optimal fungal growth parameters.The most appropriate media for mycelia growth and spores production were V6 and V8 juice agar.The optimum temperature for mycelia growth and spore density was 24°C and also optimum pH value for spores production was 6.The selection of the best growth medium was important to screen the fungal pathogen for virulence and potential field pathogenicity testing.Incubation in both light and dark was best for mycelia growth and sporulation.