Identification of Phytopathogenic Fungi in Cultivars of the Heliconiaceae Family

The main pathogens that affect the foliage and floral bracts of Heliconia cultivars in Las Heliconias National Park (Caicedonia, Colombia) were identified. Random samples were taken of foliage and floral bracts presenting symptoms of damage caused by phytopathogenic fungi. The degree of damage was described qualitatively and was correlated with the phytosanitary state of the crop. Reports of the evaluated plants indicated that 75% of the pathogens resided in the foliage and 25% resided in the floral bracts. The statistical analysis determined that the microorganisms Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., and Nigrospora sp. appeared equally in the two evaluated organs. The fungal genera found associated with plant sickness symptoms were considered to be phytopathogens. The degree of infection and development of disease varied from moderate lesions to severe infection. Reproductive fungi were present in the different plant organs studied and in organic matter residue in the soil.