Abstract:
Cassava anthracnose is a plant disease that affects cassava stems, petioles and fruits. The aim of
this study was to analyze the diversity of cassava anthracnose symptoms in Ivory Coast and then to
identify and characterize the associated fungal genera. Surveys were carried out in all agricultural
zones of the country from July to November, in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Infected samples consisting of stems cut with a small number of superficial cankers (0.3%), distorted stems (25.77%),
and necrotic stems and petioles (65.18%) were collected. Also, withered and dried apical buds
(8.76%) were harvested. Fungal pathogens derived from samples were Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides (35.08%), Fusarium sp. (27.19%) and Botrytis sp. (19.73%) genera and
undetermined strains (17.98%). Genera were characterized by morphological and microscopic
characteristics. Parasitic pressure increased to 80 and 100% respectively for Botrytis sp. genus and
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium sp genera. Fungal genera have caused lesions on
stem and petioles in green house with diameters sizes 46, 71 and 72 mm respectively for genera
Botrytis sp, Fusarium sp and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Aggressiveness index of Botrytis sp.
genus was 3 and 4 respectively for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium sp. genera. The
mycoflora of cassava aerial organs alteration, linked to the symptoms of anthracnose, is composed
of genera of great economic importance and scientific interest.
