Pathotypes mycoflora of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in some areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at identifying mycoflora pathogens of tomato cultivars (L. esculentum Mill) varieties in selected tomato growing areas of Kano State during the rainy and dry periods of 2014/2015 was conducted. Survey was done on different farmers’ fields to identify diseased plants based on signs and symptoms. Cultivar tomato infection rates were determined using disease incidence and disease index was done using disease severity scale of 1-5. Infected plant parts surveyed were collected and taken to the laboratory for pathogen culture and isolation. Identification of pathogens was done by microscopy and available literatures. Results showed the following symptoms; root rot, leaf spot, blight, wilting, fruit rot, brown stem, defoliation and leaf curl at various degrees. Incidence ranged from 24.54 % - 24.57 % in the irrigated areas, 41.90 % - 44.03 % within the rainfed tomato growing areas and disease index from 2.0 – 3.0 on disease severity scale. Disease incidence showed significant differences (P= 0.05) in the different areas and major isolates were Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani. Therefore, there is the need to proffer control strategies to assist farmers in controlling these pathogenic flora.