Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 26: 1659 -1663. Published February 10, 2010.
Occurrence of Pythium aphanidermatum on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Nigeria
Suleiman, M.N.
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Corresponding author email: nasirums@yahoo.comABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the occurrence, distribution, and pathogenicity of Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp.) on cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Kogi State, Nigeria.
Methodology and results: Four Local Government Areas were surveyed for the disease incidence with emphasis on Dekina, Abejukolo, Ajaaka and Ankpa towns between 2005 and 2007. Three cowpea cultivars i.e. Local variety (gwana), Ife-brown and IAR-16 were used for the study. These were cultivated on ridges or in potting bags and kept in a screen house for pathogenicity studies. P. aphanidermatum was isolated from root lesions of cowpea and contaminated soils and was identified based on morphological characters and pathogenicity tests. Disease incidence was highest in Dekina followed by Ajaaka and Abejukolo. Among the cowpea cultivars, Ife-brown was the most resistant (with the least infection).
Conclusion and application of findings: The study provides information serving as a base line in establishing P. aphanidermatum root rot of cowpea in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study also showed that susceptibility varies among the different cowpea cultivars tested with IAR-16 and local variety being more susceptible. Ife-brown can be used to improve cowpea production in the study area. Further research is suggested on control measures using either plant extracts or commercial fungicides.
Key words: Pathogenicity, cowpea, disease, incidence, Pythium aphanidermatum..
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