Management Of Aspergillus Leaf Spot Diseases on Terminalia Catappa In Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Research on the diseased leaves of Terminalia catappa (tropical almond) was conducted in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Permanent site, Wammako local government, Sokoto. The locations where the diseased leaves were collected, purposively selected because of the abundance of the tree species in those locations. The objective was to identify fungal foliar diseases associated with Terminalia catappa and then develop control measures of the pathogen. Diseased leaves were collected and taken to the department of biological sciences, Mycology laboratory, Botany unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University for identification. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ustus and, Aspergillus flavus were the fungal pathogens identified and suspected to be the cause of the foliar diseases on the tree species. Suncozeb, a broad-spectrum fungicide was obtained for the management of these diseases. The chemical was applied at different concentration rates (50%, 100% and, 150%) and the zones of inhibitions were observed and measured. It was observed that the higher the concentration the higher the zones of inhibition; this was the case for all the organisms identified. Past research showed that high temperature makes this species prone to soil-borne pathogens and this is the case with the study area of this research. As part of the recommendation, since it was observed that 150% of Suncozeb clearly inhibited the growth of the pathogen to a certain level, a higher concentration of this same chemical will increase the inhibition zone and possibly bring a complete stoppage of the pathogen spread.