Isolation, characterization and identification of pathogenic fungal species associated with mango anthracnose in Northwest Nigeria

Yahuza Lurwanu, Mustapha Sunusi

Abstract: Colletotrichum species have been found to be the causal agents of fruit and leave anthracnose of mango. It is the most essential postharvest disease restraining shelf life and export of fresh mango fruits in Nigeria. In the present study, four different fungi were isolated and identified, their pathogenicity confirmed both on leaves and fruits as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Curvularia sp. All fungi were pathogenic to leaves and fruits and induced symptoms. However, C. gloeosporioides produced typical anthracnose symptom and highest lesion size at 7th day after inoculation using pinprick method of inoculation. Mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides varied significantly with media. Maximum growth and spore production was observed on potato dextrose agar at 14th day, followed by oat meal agar. No mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides on cornmeal and potato agar was observed. Highest lesion size 7 mm at 7th day after inoculation using the pinprick method was observed on C. gloeosporioides. Pathogenicity showed that tissue injury created by pinpricks supports the growth of C. gloeosporioides. From all the isolate only Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was identified to be the fungus responsible for anthracnose of mango in northwestern Nigeria.

Keywords: anthracnose; Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; fungal species; mango; pathogenicity

Date published: 2019-03-22