Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

Abstract

Predicting Model for Epidemiological Risk Management of Citrus Pseudocercospora Leaves and Fruits Spot Disease in Cameroon

G D Eunice Ndo*, Akoutou Mvondo E, Bella Manga, Bidzanga Nomo L and Cilas C

The aim of this work was to construct, using regression analysis, models for predicting Pseudocercospora leaves and fruits spot disease (PLFSD) incidence for the epidemiological risk management on orange, grapefruits and Satsuma tangerine trees. Study was conducted in the large humid zone of Cameroon. Epidemiological and pedoclimatic data were collected from experimental orchards located in Foumbot, Njombé, Ekona and Nkolbisson and citrus growers plots located in Bokito, Boumnyebel, Kumba and Jakiri. Regression analyzes done for each citrus fruit species allowed us to describe the relationships between the epidemiological variables and the characteristic parameters of the sites. Citrus trees located in more acidic soils, with high silt and clay content show a higher incidence of the disease. On the other hand, trees in soils with a high sand content, rich in organic matter and organic carbon, phosphorus and exchangeable bases are less attacked by the PLFSD. The preponderance of the temperature effect on that of altitude has been proven and this climatic variable has proved to be the most important. Production system was ranked among the important variables on the different models and the agroforestry system showed a weak PLFSD development unlike the pure orchard. In sum, the use of low-susceptibility varieties on well-drained soils in agroforestry systems would significantly reduce PLFSD incidence.

Published Date: 2022-04-01; Received Date: 2022-03-01