Susceptibility of two cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) to fungal infection in field in the western highlands (Dschang)

Abstract

Cowpea is an important food and socio-economic crop in West Africa. However, its yield is low due to biotic and abiotic constraints. The present work was carried out in the field and in the laboratory at the University of Dschang, Cameroon, with the general aim of identifying disease symptoms on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in the field during the growth stages.  Two varieties were used (MTA-22 and TN5-78) in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The various symptoms of the diseases identified were described, their incidence and severity assessed, and a morphological characterization of the pathogens responsible for fungal diseases based on microscopic observation of fruiting bodies was carried out. At the end of this work, seven fungal diseases were identified and described. Four (4) fungal disease pathogens were clearly isolated and characterized: Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Cercospora canescens and Rhizoctonia solani These results will contribute to the development of a control program and the improvement of cowpea productivity with a view to combating malnutrition and reducing poverty in rural areas.