Identification and Distribution of Bacterial Pathogens on Tomato Farms in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in Kaduna State supports both household nutrition and commercial agriculture, but bacterial diseases have been increasingly associated with yield losses in recent cropping seasons. This study aimed to identify and document the distribution of predominant bacterial pathogens affecting tomato plants across selected farms in the Zaria and Kachia agricultural zones of Kaduna State. Field sampling was carried out during the 2023 wet season, and symptomatic plant materials were collected for laboratory isolation and characterisation. Pathogenicity tests following Koch's postulates confirmed Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato as the principal bacterial agents responsible for observed lesions, wilting, and fruit rot. Disease incidence was found to be higher in plots with poor drainage and irregular irrigation schedules. Farmers interviewed during the survey reported minimal awareness of chemical bactericides suitable for tropical conditions, and most crop protection decisions were based on advice from agro-dealers rather than plant health professionals. The geographic distribution of pathogen strains showed notable variation between lowland and highland farm zones, suggesting microclimatic influences on disease epidemiology. These findings provide foundational epidemiological data for the development of region-specific management recommendations. Future research should investigate the role of seed-borne inoculum and the potential for resistance breeding in locally adapted tomato varieties. Keywords: tomato, bacterial pathogens, Kaduna, Xanthomonas, disease distribution.