Isolation and identification of curvularia pseudobrachyspora leaf spots disease on coconut (cocosnucifera l.) Plant

Abstract

Coconut is an important oilseed and a multipurpose perennial plantation crop. Curvularia pseudobrachyspora is a fungal pathogen that causes leaf spot disease in coconut palms, specifically in seedlings. This study was carried out at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Bayero University Kano, to isolate and identify the causal agent of leaf spot disease in coconut using its cultural and morphological features. The Curvularia pseudobrachyspora isolated from the tissues of coconut plants were identified microscopically using lactophenol cotton blue stain method and macroscopically by comparing the cultural and morphological characteristics. Morphological characteristics of fungus, such as hyphae, conidiophores, and conidia were identified. The Colonies were typically grayish-brown to dark brown, the shape are circular, flat, and slightly raised. the colonies reverse side were with dark pigmentation. Hyphae were septate, branched, and hyaline to pale brown. Conidiophores were erect, straight, or slightly curved. Conidia are solitary, curved, and tapering to a pointed tip.

Keywords: Coconut; leaf spot; Curvularia pseudobrachyspora; identification