Occurrence of foliar fungal diseases and their effects on yield of selected sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) varieties in Abuja, Nigeria
Rachael Ozofu Ewule, Toba S. Anjorin, Shatu W. Asala, Bukola C. Akin-osanaiye
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the incidence and severity of fungal diseases of five sunflower varieties (SAMSUN1, SAMSUN2, SAMSUN3, SAMSUN4 and a Local variety) in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons in Abuja, Nigeria. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Alternaria blight, Septoria leaf spot, and Phoma blight were observed on tested sunflower varieties. Disease incidence and severity varied among the varieties. In the first cropping season, the difference between the incidence of Septoria leaf spot in SAMSUN1 and SAMSUN4 (38% and 51%, respectively) was significant (P≤0.05) 35 days after sowing (DAS). In the second season, the difference in the incidence of Alternaria blight on SAMSUN1 and SAMSUN3 was significant at 35 DAS. In both the cropping seasons, there was no significant difference in the incidence of Phoma blight among the varieties at 49 DAS. The difference in the incidence of Alternaria blight between SAMSUN4 and the Local variety was significant. At 49 DAS, there was no significant difference in the disease severity of Alternaria blight and Phoma blight among the varieties in both cropping seasons. The difference between the highest yield in SAMSUN4 (2.89 ton ha-1) and the lowest yield in SAMSUN1 (1.98 ton ha-1) was significant in the first year. Screenhouse pathogenicity test confirmed that the diseases were present in all five varieties. Findings from this study could serve as a basis for fungal disease management strategies and for improving sunflower productivity in Nigeria.
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