Distribution of fungal diseases caused by Lasiodiplodia sp. in cashew and mango orchards in Côte d’Ivoire

Objective: Fungal alterations constitute one of the major causes of losses in cashew nut and mango production in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study is to contribute to improving the productivity of cashew and mango crops by controlling dieback diseases caused by Lasiodiplodia sp. 

Methodology and results: The study initially consisted in conducting a survey in the major production areas of these targeted crops in the country, in order to assess the incidence and severity of the disease. Then, the collected mango and cashew stem samples were isolated and the associated pathogens were identified. The symptoms of the disease are present in all the surveyed orchards. Agroecological zone 7 has the highest incidence rate values (82.06 ± 3.22) and average severity index (3.75 ± 0.03) and agroecological zone 2 presents the lowest values (78.00±0.05) and (3.46±0.26). Identification showed three morphotypes (whitish, grayish and blackish) of the fungus Lasiodiplodia sp., responsible for die-back diseases.

Conclusion and application of results: fungal diseases due to Lasiodiplodia sp. are widespread in all cashew and mango orchards surveyed in Côte d’Ivoire. These results are decision-making tools for the actors of these agricultural sectors, for a better management of this disease. However, characterization study could provide information on the morphological and genetic diversity of Lasiodiplodia sp. population in Côte d’Ivoire.