Fungal Foliar Pathogens of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum M.) in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to identify fungi pathogens associated with diseased leaves of tomato cultivated in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area Kebbi State, Nigeria from March to August, 2019. A total of One hundred (100) diseased leaves samples were collected from five locations namely; Harasawa, Kardi, Makera, Ambursa and Gulumbe of the study area. A total of eight (8) species of fungi namely;Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria porri, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium citrinum and Mucor specie were identified from the samples collected using standard methods. From these results obtained Aspergillius niger had the highest frequency of occurrence (30%) followed by A. flavus (20%) while Mucor species had the lowest (2.5%). Based on locations, Ambursa had the highest fungal load 87.5% followed by Gulumbe 62.3% while Harasawa had the lowest 37.5%. The leaves of tomatoes could get infected easily due to the activity of fungal pathogens, there is need to sensitize the farmers regarding the effects of fungal infections on tomato plants and means of obtaining the resistant tomato cultivars so as to minimize the incidence of the disease in the study area.