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Asian Journal of Plant Pathology

Year: 2016 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 36-48
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Authors

Donatha Damian Tibuhwa

Shamte Shomari

Keywords

Research Article

Fusarium Wilt Disease: An Emerging Threat to Cashew Nut Crop Production in Tanzania

Donatha Damian Tibuhwa and Shamte Shomari
Background and Objective: The emergence of unknown pathogens that cause massive wilting of the cashew tree in Magawa, Coast region, Tanzania has caused big turmoil to famers. Many families are frustrated and have cut down the wilting cashews leaving their farm bear, while others shifted to alternative food crops which has caused unsustainable life due to decrease in their household income and generally increased poverty. This study presents the scientific investigations on the causes of the diseases; gives scientific explanations to related farmers field observations and provides some way forward in mitigating the chaos. Materials and Methods: Field investigations were carried out including face-to-face interview to the farmers. Laboratory investigation involved isolation and characterisation of the pathogen using both morphological and molecular markers as well as pathogenicity test to prove the disease causative agent. Results: Field investigation showed that the wilting disease becomes epidemic within few weeks of its first appearance, leading to complete cashew tree loss especially after rain season. The laboratory investigations and pathogenicity test established the pathogen-causing cashew wilting disease to be Fusarium oxysporum. Conclusion: This is the first study of Fusarium species being associated with cashew wilt disease. The study thus, draws an attention to other cashew growers in the world of the emerging threat of Fusarium wilting diseases to cashew crop.
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