Isolation and Identification of Fungi Species Responsible for Leaf Spot Disease of Abelmoschus Esculentus l. (Okra) in Donga lga Taraba State
Kyugah J. T.
Chimbekujwo, I. B.
Zakari, B. G.
Abstract
Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is among the most economically important foliar diseases affecting okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L., reducing photosynthetic capability, losses of yield and premature defoliation. This work was designed to isolate and identify fungi associated with leaf spot of okra in farms in Donga, Taraba State. Samples of disease leaves were collected from five farms randomly in the study location. The infected leaves were collected using a sterile paper bag and conveyed to the Microbiology laboratory of Federal University Wukari, under aseptic condition for the isolation of the causal organisms. Small pieces of lesions were surfaced sterilized with alcohol and inoculated on prepare plates of potato dextrose agar (PDA). After 48 to 62 hours of inoculation, when fungal growth was visible, fungi were sub cultured on to a fresh PDA media to obtain pure cultures. Pure isolated fungi were identified according to recommended references and fungi atlas. Two fungal species associated with leaf spot of okra were isolated. The isolated fungi were Cercospora abelmoschi and Cercospora malayensis. The findings showed the role of Cercospora spp. as the major causal organism of leaf spot disease in okra within Donga. Okra production is in great danger if the fungi are not properly managed as they destroy the leaves affecting photosynthesis leading to low yield in okra fruit production in Northern Nigeria. Fungal diseases like damping-off, powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot and fusarium wilt significantly reduce okra production in northern Nigeria by causing wilting, leaf damage, stunted growth and fruit rot. These diseases lead to yield losses, decrease quality and can even cause seedlings death, impacting both the quantity and market value of okra. Integrated pest management strategies such as crop rotation and resistant varieties are recommended to reduce the spread and incidence of CLS in okra production.
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