Report Of Powdery Mildew Disease Condition on Chasew in Nigeria

Abstract

Cashew is an economic crop of export and livelihood sustenance for households in Nigeria. It is grown in more than 20 states in Nigeria but its productivity is limited by moribund farms, interlocking canopies, nutrient depleted soils, low yielding genotypes, attack of insects and diseases. These have resulted into decline production and poor quality of raw nuts and kernels. Priorly, powdery mildew was not a major disease on cashew but its emergence is assuming a major concern for growers in Nigeria. Survey of diseases on cashew farms was carried out in 2023/2024 during flowering and fruiting season, in selected farming communities which are major producing areas in Nigeria. Cashew parts; leaves, inflorescence, apples and nuts were examined using a 1m quadrant on East and West sides of the trees and diseases were documented based on symptoms on the parts. Expression of mildew disease conditions on cashew leaves, flowers, nuts and apples were of emerging status in Nigeria. Cashew parts showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew disease (grey or white dust on surface of infected panicles, flowers, fruits, leaves, coarse and cracking of apples were observed in study farms. Disease situation was common and similar in many farms in Nigeria. Despite the negative impact of mildew and potential effect to lower nut yields and quality, there are scare information on current infection status and management strategies in Nigeria. Future studies will examine prevalence patterns and timing of pathogen onset as a pointer to develop management measures.