Vol. 76 No: 6

Title:
Stem and foliar blight in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. sabdariffa) in the tropical forest region of south-western Nigeria

Authors:
N.A. AMUSA, J.O.S. KOGBE and S.R. AJIBADE

pp: 681-684

Abstract:
The aetiology and epidemiology of leaf and stem blights of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. sabdariffa) was investigated at Ibadan, in the tropical forest region of south-west Nigeria. Out of 250 diseased plants examined, 63% had symptoms of leaf blight, 46% stem blight and 42% had both. Leaf blight symptoms were associated with infection by Phyllosticta hibiscini and stem blight with Fusarium oxysporum. Infection in the field by these fungi occurs during the peak of the rainy season, beginning in patches which later spread, causing extensive blight, defoliation and complete wilting. Populations of 4.6±0.5 × 10⁶ g^-1 and 4.3±0.4 × 10⁶ g^-1 colony forming units/g were found in soil for P. hibiscini and F. oxysporum respectively, while plant debris also harboured both pathogens.

Full text: JHSB Subscribers     ISHS members & other users
(PDF 282624 bytes)

Go back to previous page