Theresa Paula A.

Dela Rosa

BSA 4A4

Pathogenicity test of fungi associated with the leaf blight disease of

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

Introduction
Chinese evergreen is an Aglaonema hybrid with parents originally from the
subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Aroid family (Araceae).
This plant is very adaptable; it tolerates low light and dry air better than most other
house plants except that it doesnt like cold air. Its large, pointed, dark-green leaves
are 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long, 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide, and heavily marbled with
white, cream or silver and white. As it ages, expect some of the lower leaves to drop
off, making it look spindly. Newer varieties of this plant grow in thicker clumps, so
mature plants stay compact and bushy.
Aglaonema have been grown as luck-bringing ornamental plants in Asia for
centuries. They were introduced to the West in 1885, when they were first brought
to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They have been cultivated, hybridized, and bred
into a wide array of cultivars. They live in low-light conditions and are popular
houseplants.
Most propagation of Aglaonema is done with cuttings and by dividing the
basal shoots. Care of the houseplant involves protecting it from cold temperatures
and excessive sunlight and removing any inflorescences that develop, which can
prolong the life of the plant. It requires moist soil, and while some cultivars require a
small amount of fertilizer, plants are easily injured when over supplemented.
Aglaonema are prone to false mites (Brevipalpus californicus). They may also
acquire populations of nematodes, such as root-knot nematodes and Pratylenchus

Theresa Paula A. Dela Rosa

species, which cause root lesions.

BSA 4A4
Pathogens include the fungus Myrothecium

roridum and bacteria such as Pseudomonas cichorii, Erwinia chrysanthemi, and

Xanthomonas campestris, which can all cause leaf spot. Colletotrichum fungi can
cause anthracnose.
Aglaonema plants are poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested
they cause irritation of the mucous membranes, and the juice can cause skin
irritation and painful rash.

Objectives of the Study

To isolate and identify the organism(s) responsible for leaf blight on

Aglaonema.
To determine the pathogenicity of this organism(s).

Methodology
Procedures for isolation of the pathogen
Agar plate method will be adopted where the diseased leaves are cut into
5mm pieces, will be thoroughly washed under running tap water, then surfaced
sterilised in 0.1% mercuric chloride and rinse three times in distilled water. The
pieces will then be plated (3 pieces per plate) on water Agar and incubated for three
days before transferring the colony growth observed to fresh Potato Dextrose Agar
(PDA) medium. Obtain pure cultures by sub-culturing in PDA.
Inoculation of the pathogen-

Theresa Paula A. Dela Rosa

BSA 4A4

To harvest spores 10 ml of sterile water were poured over the plate. Sterile
rod was gently swapped over it and the mixture poured into a spray bottle. Healthy
Aglaonema plant was sprayed or inoculated with the fungal solution and observed
for symptom development.
Reisolation of the pathogen
Diseased leaves are cut into 5mm pieces, is washed under running tap water,
then surfaced sterilised in 0.1% mercuric chloride and rinse three times in distilled
water. The pieces will then be plated (3 pieces per plate) on water Agar and
incubated for three days.
Identification of Pathogens
Wet mounts of pure cultures will be observed under binocular microscope at
X40 magnification for fungal growth while the identification of the isolated fungi will
be carried out based on their cultural characteristics and with the help of
identification scheme (Barnett and Hunter, 1972).