Prevalence of Phytophthora Leaf Blight of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in the Semi Deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2016, Vol 11, Issue 4
Abstract
Aim: The aim was to assess the incidence, severity and symptoms of the leaf blight of taro. Methodology: A survey of 50 taro fields was conducted during the major cropping season of 2015 in 11 districts of the semi deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Disease incidence and severity were calculated and samples collected. Isolation, morphological identification and Koch’s postulate of the associated pathogen was carried out at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana. Results: Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski, was identified as the causal pathogen of the leaf blight disease attacking taro. The study revealed a high incidence and severity of the disease across all locations surveyed. Incidence ranged from 30% in the East Akim District to 92.5% in the Tano South district whilst severity ranged from 6.5% to 86.5% in the East Akim and Tano North districts respectively. Disease incidence and severity was significantly different (P < 0.05) across the districts surveyed. Symptoms of the disease included multiple circular spots on the leave surface, white mycelia on lesion surface; shot holes on affected parts and water soak beneath the developed spots. Conclusion: The current study revealed a high incidence and severity of the disease in the surveyed districts and has laid the foundation for extensive studies on the epidemiology of the disease in Ghana and the need to develop management strategies to reduce its impact.
Authors and Affiliations
Joseph Adomako, C. K. Kwoseh, Moses Emmanuel, Larbi-Koranteng Stephen
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351350
- DOI 10.9734/AJEA/2016/23806
- Views 71
- Downloads 0
Growth and Yield Components of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and their Relationships with Root Yield
Aims: To assess the extent of the relationships of various growth and yield related characters. To evaluate the direct and indirect contributions of these characters to root yield, a basis of selection for further improv...
The Influence of NAA, GA3 and Calcium Nitrate on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of "Le Conte" Pear Trees
Aims: Investigate the effect of gibberellic acid, naphthalene acetic acid and calcium nitrate on vegetative growth parameters, fruit set, yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral content of "Le Conte" pear trees. Study Desi...
Analysis of Seed Vigor Responses in Soybean to Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Protein Hydrolysate Treatments
Aim: To produce fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) under controlled hydrolysis conditions, and to examine the effects of FPH on seed vigor, using standard vigor tests....
AMMI Determination of Stability for Oil and Protein Content in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Seed in Zambia
Aims: The aim of the study was determine the yield and stability of oil and protein content of different genotypes in different locations in Zambia. The specific objectives were to characterize the test soybean genotypes...
Influence of Moringa Seed Powder and Liquid Gold on Available Phosphorus and Potassium Pools of a P-deficient Alfisol at Samaru, Nigeria
The low fertility constraint of the soils in the northern Guinea savannah of Nigeria necessitates the application of external nutrient supplements for sustainable crop production. An incubation study was undertaken to ev...