Journal Article

Natural Association of Egusi Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Diseases and Their Distribution, Incidence and Severity in Lapai Southern Guinea Savannah

Abstract

These studies were carried out to know the various diseases naturally associated with egusi melon, their distribution, incidence and severity in Lapai Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The plant samples were collected from ten (10) villages and all together fifty (50) farmers’ fields were visited in Lapai Local Government Area. It was clear from the data collected on egusi melon diseases in this Local Government Area. Seventeen (17) different kinds of diseases were collected and identified, twelve (12) fungal, three (3) bacterial and two (2) viral diseases were recorded during the farmers’ fields visit. The village with the highest number (15) of diseases was Cece closely followed by Lapai (14) and Saminaka (9) whereas, village with least number (5) of diseases was Ganamadi. The highest incidence (11.0%) was recorded in Cercospora leaf spot disease followed by Anthracnose (9.1%), and Alternaria leaf spot (8.4%), While, the least (2.1%) incidence was recorded in bacterial vine necrosis followed by bacterial leaf blotch (2.5%) and Cucumber mosaic virus disease (2.8%). This study has given the information about the natural association of egusi melon diseases in different villages of Lapai Local Government Area and management practices should be adopted to sustain the production of melon.

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