Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 20: 1146 - 1152. Published August 7, 2009.
Incidence, prevalence and severity of passion fruit fungal diseases in major production regions of Kenya
Amata, R. L^*., Otipa, M. J*., Waiganjo M*., Wabule, M*., Thuranira E.G*., Erbaugh M**., Miller S**.
*Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 57811-00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
**Ohio State University, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus , Ohio 43210 USA
^Corresponding author e-mail: amata_ruth@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine incidences, prevalence and severity of fungal diseases of passion fruit in major growing regions in Kenya and identify fungi causing the diseases.
Methodology and results: Surveys were carried out in passion fruit growing regions of Central, Eastern, Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza provinces of Kenya in 2008. A total of 85 farms were surveyed. Data was collected using a questionnaire, field observation and laboratory analysis of diseased plant materials. Dieback disease was the most important and its incidence on individual farms ranged between 0-100%. Fungi isolated from stems affected by dieback were Fusarium spp and Phytophthora nicotianae var parasitica. Incidence of wilt disease caused by F. oxysporum was between 0 - 33%, while that of leaf stem and fruit spots caused by Alternaria passiflorae and Septoria passiflorae ranged between 2-100%. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum passiflorae and Glomerella cingulata ranged between 5-60%. There was a significant difference in the pathogens isolated across the growing regions. Phyrtophthora nicoatianae var parasitica was most frequently isolated in Meru followed by Embu district while Fusarium spp., Colletotrichum passiflorae and Alternaria passiflorae were isolated most frequently from Thika district.
Conclusion and application of findings: Diseases observed were generally the same across the districts but incidences, severity and prevalence varied depending on control measures employed by individual farmers. Dieback disease, which was most devastating on majority of the farms, urgently needs to be addressed and the role of the individual species in aggravating the disease needs to be evaluated. Management of fungal diseases require that farmers scout for initial disease symptoms so as to apply timely control measures. Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite to proper disease management in order to enhance sustainable production and empower rural communities through wealth creation and employment.
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