Incidence and Severity of Fusarium Wilt on Bambara Nut [ Vigna Subterranea (L.)] Landraces in Some Selected Villages in Mubi- North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Markus; J. K.; C. S. Yusuf; C. S. Oaya; Corresponding author

doi:10.56201/jbgr.vol.12.no3.2026.pg77.87

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Incidence and Severity of Fusarium Wilt on Bambara Nut [ Vigna Subterranea (L.)] Landraces in Some Selected Villages in Mubi- North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Markus, J. K., C. S. Yusuf, C. S. Oaya, Corresponding author

Abstract

This study investigated the incidence and severity of Fusarium oxysporum--induced Fusarium wilt on Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces cultivated in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by persistent food insecurity in the region and the limited scientific attention given to Bambara nut diseases despite the crop's nutritional, ecological, and economic importance. The objectives were to determine the distribution of Fusarium wilt across farmers' fields, assess the incidence and severity of the disease on major Bambara nut landraces, and evaluate the influence of farmyard manure on disease expression. Field surveys were conducted in four Bambara-producing villages (Digil, Mijilu, Bahuli and Vimtim), while laboratory isolation and screenhouse pathogenicity tests were performed using standard mycological procedures. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design with six landraces (Black, Red, Maroon, Maroon speckled, Brown light-eyed, Brown dark-eyed) and two treatments (farmyard manure at 5 t/ha and control), each replicated three times. Inoculation was done using F. oxysporum spore suspension adjusted to 106 conidia/mL. Data collected included wilt incidence (%), severity scores, symptom progression, and re-isolation confirmation of the pathogen. Results were subjected to one-way ANOVA using SAS, and means separated by Fisher's LSD at p < 0.05. Field survey results indicated varying wilt distribution among villages, with highest incidence recorded in Mijilu (approximately 42%) and lowest in Vimtim (18%). In the screenhouse, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among landraces: Black and Red landraces exhibited the highest wilt incidence (65-72%), while Brown light-eyed and Maroon speckled recorded the lowest (22- 30%). Severity scores followed similar trends, confirming variable tolerance levels. Application of farmyard manure reduced wilt incidence by an average of 31% and disease severity by 27%, improving plant vigor and delaying symptom expression. Pathogenicity tests confirmed F. oxysporum as the causal agent, completing Koch's postulates. The study concludes that Fusarium wilt is prevalent across Bambara-producing areas of Mubi and poses a serious constraint to yield. Genetic variability exists among landraces, with some showing moderate tolerance. Farmyard manure significantly suppresses disease expression, making it a viable, eco-friendly management option for smallholder farmers. The study recommends promotion and multiplication of moderately tolerant landraces, especially the Brown light- eyed and Maroon speckled types, and encouraging routine application of organic amendments such as farmyard manure. P-ISSN 2695-222X

Keywords

Bambara nutFusarium oxysporumFusarium wiltlandracesdisease incidencefarmyard manureMubiNigeria

References

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Incidence and Severity of Fusarium Wilt on Bambara Nut [ Vigna Subterranea (L.)] Landraces in Some Selected Villages in Mubi- North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

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