Survey of Fungal Diseases Affecting Cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) remains one of the most important food security crops in South East Nigeria, yet fungal diseases continue to pose significant threats to its productivity. This study investigated the prevalence, distribution, and severity of major fungal diseases affecting cassava farms in Enugu State, drawing on field surveys conducted across five local government areas between 2023 and 2024. Symptoms observed in sampled farms were documented and causative organisms isolated using standard mycological procedures. Laboratory analyses confirmed the presence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cercospora henningsii, and Phytophthora cinnamomi as dominant pathogens across surveyed locations. Disease incidence ranged from 28 percent to 67 percent depending on the season and land management history of the farm. Farmers in peri-urban areas reported higher incidence rates, potentially linked to reduced access to disease-free planting materials. Surveys further revealed that most smallholder farmers lacked formal knowledge of integrated disease management strategies, relying instead on traditional practices with limited effectiveness. The study underscores the urgent need for extension education initiatives targeting local farmers and the promotion of certified planting materials through state agricultural development programmes. Findings contribute baseline data for regional disease mapping and are expected to inform future breeding and control programmes. Keywords: cassava, fungal diseases, Enugu State, disease incidence, Colletotrichum.