First report of Pseudocercospora angolensis in Ghana
In 2004, necrotic leaf spots (1 cm diameter) with light brown centres and dark brown margins surrounded by a yellow halo were first observed in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and mandarin (C. reticulata) orchards in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Fruits with raised corky lesions of up to 3 to 4 cm in diameter with yellow halos were also observed. Affected fruit had longitudinal and transversal cracks in the rind with the internal locules exposed. Juice content in diseased fruit was strongly reduced, making them unsuitable for fresh consumption or processing. The disease expanded to the Central and Ashanti regions, with incidences over 95% and estimated yield losses of about 50 to 90%. Symptomatic leaves and fruit were collected in Kade, Eastern region. Laboratory analysis (morphology, PCR, pathogenicity tests) confirmed that the citrus disease observed was caused by Pseudocercospora angolensis (=Phaeoramularia angolensis – EPPO A1 List). This is the first time that P. angolensis is reported from Ghana.
The situation of Pseudocercospora angolensis in Ghana can be described as follows: Present, first confirmed in 2013 in the Eastern region; symptoms are also observed in the Ashanti and Central regions.
Sources
Brentu FC, Cornelius EW, Lawson LEV, Oduro KA, Vicent A (2013) First report of Pseudocercospora angolensis causing fruit and leaf spot of citrus in Ghana. Plant Disease 97(12), p 1661.