Relationship between the population of viable sclerotia ofSclerotium rolfsii in soil to cropping sequence in the Nigerian savanna

Abstract

Populations of viable sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii were highest in soil in a field in which tomato was planted for three successive years before sampling and in one in which tomato followed groundnut in the 2 years prior to this study. The lowest sclerotial numbers were recorded in fields in which groundnut followed maize or in which maize or sorghum was the last crop before sampling.

In vitro growth of four isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc in the humid tropics

“…Although no statistical data are available, disease caused by this pathogen lead to heavy losses in vegetable crop yield especially during the wet season (May and October) when weather conditions are favorable for both crop production and for the growth and dissemination of the sclerotia of the pathogen (Wokocha et al, 1986). These sclerotia constitute the primary inoculum of the pathogen as well as its principle means of dispersal and the sole organs by which the fungus survives adverse environmental conditions, awaiting germination and infection of susceptible hosts when favorable conditions return (Wokocha, 1988;Okabe et al, 2000). They also often appear with the first rains soon after ridging (Arene and Okpala, 1981).…”

Management ofSclerotium rolfsii‐caused stem and pod rots of groundnut—a critical review†

“…Rotation of groundnut with non-susceptible crops such as corn, cotton, and wheat can greatly reduce stem rot incidence and severity (Garren, 1961;Rodriguez-Kabana etal., 1987Wokocha, 1988). Rodriguez-Kabana ef al.…”

Crop pest management and food security in Nigerian agriculture

“…Soil-borne pathogens that infect plants of one or few species can sometimes be reduced in the soil by planting for 2 -4 years crops belonging to species not attacked by the particular pathogen. The losses due to Sclerotia rolfsii on tomato can be reduced when cereals are planted after tomato in a rotation (Wokocha 1988;Erinle 1994). Crop rotation with other non-host crops causes reduction in soil seed bank of Striga (Lagoke et al 1991).…”