Seasonal influences of Sclerotium rolfsii and Botryodiplodia theobromae on cowpea seedling mortality in Akwa Ibom state.

Abstract

The germination and seedling mortality of five cowpea varieties, viz: IT 84s 2246 – 4, Ife Brown, TVX 3236, IT87D 719 and L25 were studied during the early planting period (March/April) and the late planting period (September/October) in Akwa Ibom State. In the early planting period the mean percentage losses ranging from 7.8 ± 1.4 to 28.6 were recorded in the first planting date (week 10) while in crops planted in week 16 the mean percentage mortality was observed to range from 21. 7% to 31 7 ± 11.9 Post emergency seedling mortality was found to vary within each planting time in the late planting period (September/October) with the least mortality recorded among crops planted in week 40 and 42 of the year, in all the localities. Varieties IT84S2246 – 4 and Ife Brown were observed to record the least seedling mortality in the three localities studied. Among others Sclerotium rolfsii and Botryodiplodia theobromae recorded greater prevalence when the serial dilutions of the rhizosphere of the infected plant were plated and analyzed.

Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 7 2000-2001: pp. 58-68