TITLE:
Pathogenic Agents Fungi Associated with Leaf Necrosis and Desiccation of Vitellaria paradoxa in Burkina Faso
AUTHORS:
Kadidia Semdé, Ali Béné, Hadou Haro, Konoyaon Somda
KEYWORDS:
Burkina Faso, Pathogenic Fungi, Protection, Vitellaria paradoxa
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.17 No.10,
October
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: In Burkina Faso, Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. is one of the multipurpose species that is unfortunately attacked by numerous pests. The objective of this study is to inventory the pathogens involved in the necrosis and leaf desiccation disease of Vitellaria paradoxa in order to develop control techniques to counter these pathogens. To achieve this, isolations on PDA culture medium were carried out from samples of infested leaves collected in the Guiriko and Bankui. Results have identified nine species of pathogenic fungi for both necrosis and leaf wilting. These are Pestalotiopsis guepini, Pestalotiopsis heterocornis, Phoma sorghina, Phoma exigua, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium moniliforme, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pyricularia grisea, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Among these pathogens, the genera Pestalotiopsis, Phoma, and Fusarium were strongly associated with necrosis, with incidence frequencies ranging from 11% to 50%. In addition, for leaf blight, Pestalotiopsis and Phoma were the most frequently detected genera (50%). These pathogens cause double symptoms that weaken Vitellaria paradoxa. With regard to the high frequency of these pathogens and the consequences for the survival of Vitellaria paradoxa, it would be necessary to develop less costly and effective techniques to protect the species.