1 Department of Forestry & Environment, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria.
2 Department of Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 06(03), 142-148
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2020.6.3.0094
Received on 09 April 2020; revised on 30 May 2020; accepted on 02 June 2020
A survey on Fungal Foliar Diseases of Terminalia catappa in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto main campus was conducted to determine the causal organism responsible for the diseases, and its intensity in terms of incidence and severity. Incidence and severity were determined using disease rating scale, whereas pathogen responsible for the diseases were identified by taking the samples of infected leaves to mycology laboratory and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Aspergillus Leaf Spot, Aspergillus Blight, and Black Mould all caused by Aspergillus species, as well as powdery mildew were found to be prevalent foliar diseases in the study area. Aspergillus Leaf spot recorded highest intensity in both incidence and severity in all the three (3) locations with (96.67%, 100%, and 69.84%) and (53.17%, 62.20% and 15.87) respectively, followed by Aspergillus Blight with incidence (78.55%, 95.24% and 53.97%) and severity of (12.65%, 11.14% and 7.30%), Black Mould disease recorded the incidence of (73.89%, 94.96% and 59.52%) and severity of (14.27%, 16.86% and 13.36%). Powdery mildew showed the least incidence of (58.53%, 85.71% and 15.08%) and severity (9.65%, 34% and 3.89%) in the respective locations. The diseases occurs as a result of infection from a cosmopolitan fungus species (Aspergillus) and the high intensity was as a result of high humidity coupled with closed spacing, hence favoring the proliferation of the pathogen. The study recommended that silvicultural practices like pruning for good air circulation, sanitary practices like getting rid of the infected fallen leaves and dead twigs, as well as minimizing stress to keep the trees healthy should be practiced to limit the infection and reduces the menace of the diseases.
Terminalia catappa; Pathogens; Aspergillus; Blight; Disease; Incidence and Severity
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Nasiru AM, Sarki MA and Dalhatu MH. Survey of fungal foliar diseases of Terminalia catappa in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Northwestern Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 6(3), 142-148. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2020.6.3.0094