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
