Crisanta E. Sajise
ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to determine the effect of host genotype, inoculum density and plant age on the severity of Fusarium root and stem rot in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Different levels of Fusarium solani inculum, namely: 8 x 104, 2 x 106 and 4 x 108 conidia/mL were inoculated to 5-, 17- and 22-day old seedlings of TVX 289-4G, VCS 6-1 AND CES 42-2 cowpea cultivars. Among the cultivars tested, CES 42-2 was the most resistant since it exhibited a lower degree of infection in contrast to VCS 6-1 and TVX 289-4G. The degree of infection was not significantly affected by the different levels of inoculum used. However, plant age significantly affected the percentage of infected plants. Fusarium root and stem rot infection was higher in 22- than in 17-day old plants, and was completely suppressed in 5-day old seedlings. Significant interaction effects of inoculum density, cultivar and plan age as well as their combinations on disease severity were noted.
Keywords: Fusarium root and stem rot. Fusarium solani, Inocuum density. Cultivar. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata).
Annals of Tropical Research 10(1):(1988)
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