Fungal Pathogens Associated with Damping-off Disease of Cashew Seedlings in Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to isolate fungal pathogens associated with damping-off of cashew seedlings. Study Design: The cashew seedlings for this study were selected randomly from a number of infected cashew seedlings in the screen house. Methodology: Associated fungal pathogens were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and identified using their characteristics and morphological features observed under the microscope with reference to published identification manuals. Results: The result showed that damping-off of cashew seedling is mostly associated with fungal pathogens such as such as Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pythium spp., Alternaria sp., Curvularia sp., Aspergillus niger, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. However, Fusarium spp, and Pythium spp. were predominant and frequently isolated than other pathogens. Conclusion: The knowledge of these pathogens is important for designing strategies to safeguard cashew plant health against diseases in order to ensure sustainable cashew production in Nigeria.