SCLEROTIUM-ROLFSII AS A COMPONENT IN THE PATHOLOGICAL COMPLEX THAT CAUSES DRY ROOT-ROT IN TANIER (XANTHOSOMA-SAGITTIFOLIUM) IN PUERTO-RICO

The fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, isolated from tanier (Xanthosoma sagitt ifolium) planted in propagation chambers in the greenhouse in the USDA -ARS-TARS facilities at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico was used to artificially inoculate tanier plants cv. Amarilla del Pais developed from tissue c ulture. The inoculated plants were smaller and developed chlorosis and severe root rot symptoms under greenhouse conditions. The symptoms we re consistent with those associated with dry root rot in tanier seen i n commercial fields in Puerto Rico. The results indicate that the fung us S. rolfsii is an additional component in the pathological complex t hat causes dry root rot in tanier.