Isolation and Identification of Patogenic Funges on Oryza sativa Plant in Dulomo Utara, Gorontalo City

Abstract

Plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are one of the limiting factors in rice (Oryza sativa) production. Identification of pathogenic fungi is very important as a first step in controlling rice plant diseases. This study aims to isolate and identify pathogenic fungi in rice plants cultivated in North Dulomo, North Kota Sub-district, Gorontalo City District. The research was descriptive and exploratory, conducted from September to October 2024. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling method on plant parts that showed symptoms of disease attack. Fungal isolation was carried out using dilution and scattering methods, followed by purification and identification at the Biological Agents Laboratory of the Agricultural Plant Protection Centre. Fungal characterisation and identification were carried out based on macroscopic and microscopic morphological characters referring to Bergey's Manual of Determine Bacteriology 9th Edition (Holt et al., 1994) and fungal identification key book (Barnett and Hunter, 1972; Pitt and Hocking, 2009). The results of the study successfully identified pathogenic fungi of rice plants, namely Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. These findings provide important information for the development of disease control strategies in plants and can be used as further testing.