MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ALTERNARIA BRASSICICOLA STRAINS COMBINED WITH CABBAGE CULTIVATION IN COTE DIVOIRE

Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.)Is a leaf vegetable of global importance due to its high nutritional and economic value. However, its cultivation is threatened by Alternaria leaf spot, a disease that impacts cabbage yield and market value. It is caused by fungi of the Alternariagenus, particularly A. Brassicicola,which has several morphologies. This study therefore aims at investigating the morphology of five A. Brassicicolastrains isolated from cabbage in Cote dIvoire. To this end, these previously isolated strains were cultured on PDA culture medium, and their cultural and microscopic characteristics were determined. Thus, the diameter of the fungal colonies was measured at 24-hour intervals over 12 days so as to determine their growth rate. Microscopic observation also revealed specific characteristics related to conidia production. Macroscopic observations revealed colonies that were greenish-brown in the center and light brown at the edges, with a dense, carpet-like appearance. Mycelial growth rate varied significantly from one strain to another, with mean diameters ranging from 7.01 to 8.50 cm after 12 days of incubation. Strain A5 showed the fastest growth. In terms of sporulation, strain A5 also showed the highest spore production, followed by strain A4. These results provide an essential basis for understanding the epidemiological behavior of these different A. Brassicicolastrains in Cote dIvoire.