Leaf Spot Disease of Shea Nut Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa): A review on Epidemiology, Impacts, and Management Options

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Crop Science, University for Development Studies & Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Abstract

The sheanut tree Vitellaria paradoxa is an indigenous tree crop grown in the savannah forests of West Africa. Almost every part of the plant has an economic or medicinal purpose to most rural and urban fraternities where this tree grows. Despite the immense relevance of the plant to society, limited studies are delving into the various challenges that limit its productivity, even though it is challenged significantly. Regardless of the shea tree seen as resistant to various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the main challenges related to its growth and development is the incidence of diseases. Even though studies relating to this topic are limited, results from the various studies revealed that the leaf spot disease, associated with Fusarium moniliforme, Pestalotia guepini, and Phoma sorghina is one of the most important yield-limiting factors of the shea tree. It affects the tree crop at any stage of growth. As a foliar disease, it causes lesions on the leaves, reducing the surface area of leaves, and hence affecting the photosynthetic ability of the plants, transcending directly on the overall yield. As important as this disease can be to the shea nut production value chain in Ghana, not many studies have focused on the disease and its management. This review seeks to provide an overview of the epidemiology, impacts, and status of the disease. drawing references from existing literature.

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