TITLE

DETERMINATION OF YIELD LOSS OF

CASSAVA DUE TO BROWN
AND WHITE SPOT DISEASES.

AUTHORS 
 Nwadili, C.O; Ogbe, F.O; Nwawuisi, J.U;
Chukwu, G. O; Afuepe, S.O. and Njoku, S. C.
 INTRODUCTION
 Cassava leaf spot diseases are caused by fungi.
There are three main different types, namely
I. white leaf spot,
II. brown leaf spot,
III. and leaf blight.
Cassava white leaf spot disease caused by
cercospora caribaea Cif appears as circular-white
or brownish-yellow spots on the upper leaf surfaces
(IITA, 1990). The spots sometimes have purplish
borders around them.
Cassava brown leaf spot disease which is caused by
cercosporidium henningsii Allesh appears as small
brown spots with dark borders on the upper leaf
surfaces (IITA, 1990). The brown spots occur between
leaf veins, and their sizes and shapes are limited by the
distance between these veins (IITA, 2010).
The dead tissue in the center of brown spots may fall
off to give the leaf surface a “shot hole” appearance
(Theberge, 1985).
Under severe attack the infected leaves become
yellow, dry, and die prematurely thereby reducing the
photosynthesis of the individual plants resulting in
total reduced yields (Onyeka, et al, 2006).
 Objectives

 To investigate the yield loss of cassava due to

brown and white leaf spot diseases and variety.

To determine the effect of two synthetic

fungicides on cassava leaf spot diseases and yield
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

• A factorial experiment involving two systemic fungicides

(Benomyl and tecto 6o) at three levels (0L/ha, 4L/ha and
6L/ha) and three varieties of cassava (TMS 98/0581 and
TMS 98/2101and Nwibibi), established in a randomized
complete block design (RCBD) in 2007 and 2008 cropping
seasons in Umudike, respectively.

• The three cassava cultivars were 2 improved namely TMS

98/0581 and TMS 98/2101with a local variety – Nwibibi,
and two fungicides (Benomyl and tecto 6o) applied at 3
levels, (0L/ha, 4L/ha and 6L/ha), giving a total of 18
treatment combinations.
 
 Material and methods (contd)
• All agronomic practices from planting, weeding, to harvesting
were carefully observed. The fungicides were applied using
knapsack sprayer which was calibrated and adopted by Eke-
Okoro et al 2008.
• Data were taken on incidence and severity of brown and white
leaf spot diseases, plant vigour at monthly intervals and root
weight (t/ha) at harvest. A severity scale of 1-5 was adopted for
scoring leaf spot severity of both brown and white leaf spot
diseases.
• Score 1 = No Symptom
2 = 1-25% with spots from lower part
3 = 26-50% - do -
4. = 61-100% some leaves shedding off
5 = 76-100% almost or complete loss of leaves.
(Onyeka, et al, 2006). Data were analysed using SAS 9.0
 Table 1: Soil nutrient status of Experimental
Fields in 2007 and 2008 cropping  season.
Parameter Value for Value for
2007 2008
Sand % 77.6 81.3
Silt % 8.7 5.0
Clay % 13.7 13.7
Textural class Sandy loam Sandy loam
pH(H20) 5.02 5.46
Ca (cmol/kg) 4.80 4.74
Mg (cmol/kg) 1.20 1.19
K (cmol/kg) 0.20 0.31
Na (cmol/kg) 0.40 0.46
Exchangeable acidity (cmol/kg) 1.12 1.27
Organic carbon (%) 0.84 0.89
Organic matter (%) 1.45 1.72
Available P (mg/kg) 19.00 19.30
 Table 2: Main effects of cassava variety, fungicide type
and rates on disease severity and root yield
White leaf spot mean Brown leaf spot mean Yield mean

Cassava ariety 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008

TMS 98/0581 2.19 2.96 2.57 3.41 3.50 3.46 31.21 32.48 31.85
TMS 98/2101 2.11 2.88 2.50 3.86 3.91 3.89 28.69 30.10 29.40
Nwibibi 1.68 1.92 1.8 2.39 2.43 2.41 17.91 18.61 18.26
LSD(0.05) 0.22 0.61 0.66 0.54 2.88 2.29
Fungicide types
Benomyl 2.00 2.06 2.03 2.69 2.54 2.62 30.34 34.63 32.49
Tecto 60 2.33 2.67 2.50 2.87 2.72 2.80 22.52 27.44 24.98
LSD(0.05) 0.39 0.46 0.68 0.7 2.51 3.46
Rates of
fungicide
0L/ha (Control) 2.67 2.52 2.60 3.03 3.00 3.02 19.77 19.80 19.79
4L/ha 2.33 2.01 2.17 2.88 2.96 2.92 20.56 22.02 21.29
6L/ha 1.91 2.05 1.98 3.11 3.16 3.14 16.16 17.42 16.58
LSD(0.05) 0.31 0.42 0.12 0.20 3.21 2.96
 Table 3: Varietal effect on disease severity
and root yield of cassava.
Disease severity score

Variety White leaf spot Brown leaf spot Root yield (t/ha)
2007 2008 Mean 2007 2008 Mean 2007 2008 Mean
TMS
98/0581 2.19 2.96 2.58 3.41 3.50 3.46 31.21 32.48 31.85
TMS
98/2101 2.11 2.88 2.50 3.16 3.21 3.18 28.69 30.10 29.40

Nwibibi 1.68 1.92 1.80 2.39 2.43 2.41 17.91 18.61 18.26

LSD 0.22 0.61 0.66 0.54 2.88 2.29

 CONCLUSION
From the results of this work, both Benomyl
and Tecto were found to be effective in the
control of the two leaf spot diseases of
cassava. Therefore, farmers can use any of
the two pesticides to manage both White
Leaf Spot and Brown Leaf Spot diseases of
cassava at the rate of 4L/ha for good yields
as higher rates reduced yields. However, use
of cassava improved varieties is the best
where they are available.
Benomyl has its active ingredient as
carbendazim and Tecto is benzimidazole.