Isolation and identification of some pathogenic fungi associated with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root rot disease in Cameroon

Abstract

Root rot diseases constitute a major constraint to cassava production in Cameroon. However, not much is known about the identity of pathogens associated with them. It is in this light that this study was realized with the aim of characterizing the various root rot diseases and identifying their associated fungal causal agents in Cameroon. Sixty four cassava stems with root rot symptoms were sampled in the Littoral, Southwest and West Regions of Cameroon. Results revealed that cassava root rot (CRR) is either wet (soft) or dry depending on the region of study. Isolation was done on PDA medium enriched with Chloramphenicol. After purifying thrice on the PDA medium, 20 isolates were collected. Identification with the help of the Barnett and Hunter key revealed the existence of seven fungi including Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., Pestalotia sp., Geotrichum sp., Sphaerostilberepens, Trichoderma viride and Botryodiplodia theobromae. Key words: Cassava root rot, pathogen, sustainable agriculture, disease control.