A field survey was carried out to investigate the incidenc
e of fungal leaf blights disease of
mango (Mangifera indica) in Sokoto metropolis using random sampling
methods. Survey was
carried out in six mango growing areas; Arkilla, Dambuwa, Gagi, Illela, More and the permanent
site of the Usmanu Danfodiyo Universi
ty, Sokoto
areas
. A total of 125 healthy and diseased
plant leaves were collected by detached technique. The diseased leaves were taken to the
laboratory for culture, isolation, and identification of pathogens. Disease incidence was
determined using diseas
e index and severity scale of 0
-
4 rating. Results from isolation revealed
Colletotrichum gloesporioides
and other pathogenic fungi.
The incid
ence of leaf blight was
greater
in
UDUS
area with percentage of occurrence of (56.75%) while it was lower
in Arkil
la
area
(
31.65%). In relation to the disease incidence in different mango varieties, the incidence
was
higher
with Mai bindiga
Mango variety
(78%) whereas, improved variety was
the
least infected
(25.8%). Therefore,
the statistical analysis conducted show
e
d t
hat at
5 %
d
isease severity from
the study was not significant with mango location but
it
was with
Mango
variety
.
Anthracnos
caused by C.
gloesporioides
was severe due to
cultural practices in the areas.
Enlightening
farmers on proper cultural practises
aimed at boosting mango yield and reducing pathogen
invasion is recommended.
