Foliar Diseases of Hibiscus Cannabinus L (Kenaf) and the Identity of Associated Fungi in Three Agroecological Zones of Southwest Nigeria (Published)
Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Kenaf), is affected by many field diseases. However, there is limited information on the fungal diseases of the crop and the causal pathogens in South West Nigeria. Disease assessment was conducted at the research stations of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training located in different agroecological zones namely- Rainforest (Ikenne), Derived savanna (Ilora) and rainforest/savannah Transition (Ibadan). Fungal diseases of kenaf were identified and associated fungal species were isolated. Pathogenicity test was carried out in the screenhouse using Completely Randomized Design in three replicates. Identities of fungal pathogens were determined using cultural, morphological and molecular methods. Anthracnose, Curvularia leaf spot, Coniella leaf blight and Zonate leaf spot were the major fungal diseases associated with kenaf. Pathogen identification and subsequent pathogenicity tests revealed Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Curvularia lunata, Coniella diplodiella,and Corynespora cassicola, as the causal pathogens of the diseases respectively.
Keywords: Ecological zones, Foliar diseases, Identification, Kenaf, pathogenicity
Influence of NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Kenaf (Hibiscuss Cannabinus L.) In South Western Nigeria (Published)
A pot experiment and field trial was conducted in 2013 and 2014 respectively at Ibadan (07038’N, 03084’E 182m) Nigeria to determine the influence of NPK fertilizer applied at five different rates (0, 70, 100, 130, 160 kg/ha) on the growth and yield of kenaf in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Our data showed that highest plant height, fibre and seed yields, and macro and micro nutrient uptakes were obtained in pots and plots fertilized with 130 kg/ha but not significantly different from those with 100 kg/ha. Hence, 100 kg/ha is recommended for kenaf cultivation in Southwest Nigeria.
Keywords: Kenaf, N rates, fibre, seed yield.