EFFECT OF FERTILIZER TREATMENT ON COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA) INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF CERCOSPORA LEAF SPOT
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different fertilizer treatments on the incidence and severity of Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) in cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata). The research was carried out at the Agricultural Farm, Bayero University Kano, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications. Treatments included different rates of composted organic manure and single super phosphate fertilizer, alongside a control. Results showed that composted organic manure significantly reduced both disease incidence and severity compared to the control and inorganic fertilizer. The 3 kg composted organic manure treatment produced the lowest disease incidence, while the 1.5 kg treatment minimized disease severity. Statistical analysis revealed that the effect of treatments on disease incidence and severity was not significant, while observation time significantly influenced disease development. The study concludes that composted organic manure enhances cowpea resilience against CLS and recommends its use as part of integrated nutrient management strategies for sustainable cowpea production.
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