Identification of Fungal Pathogens Causing Foliar Diseases of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Makurdi Farmlands

Background and Objective: Maize production is often limited by foliar fungal diseases that damage leaves and reduce yield. Fungi causing foliar disease of maize (Zea mays L.) on farmlands in Makurdi were investigated to identify the pathogens responsible and determine their incidence and occurrence. Materials and Methods: Maize leaves showing disease symptoms were collected from three farmlands in Makurdi: Behind Modern Market (BMM), Behind Customary Court (BCC), and Terwase Agbadu Extension (TAE). Diseased leaf pieces were surface-sterilized in 5% sodium hypochlorite for 30 sec to 1 min and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for fungal isolation. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on healthy maize leaves. Data collected included fungal incidence, mean fungal count, and occurrence. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square (χ²) and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference at 5% significance level. Results: Three fungi were isolated: Bipolaris sp., Curvularia sp., and Puccinia sorghi. Out of 275 plants sampled, 88 (32.0%) were infected. At BCC, 30/105 plants (28.8%) were infected; at BMM, 36/90 plants (39.6%); and at TAE, 22/80 plants (27.5%). There were no significant differences in fungal incidence across locations (χ² = 3.61, df = 2; p = 0.16) or occurrence (χ² = 1.25, df = 4, p = 0.86). Fungal occurrence was highest at BMM (37.5%), followed by TAE (33.3%) and BCC (29.2%). Curvularia sp. had the highest occurrence (41.7%), followed by Bipolaris sp. (33.3%) and P. sorghi (25%). Pathogenicity tests confirmed that these fungi caused foliar disease in maize. Conclusion: The isolated fungi were responsible for foliar disease in maize. Farmers are advised to remove residues of previous harvests before planting new crops to reduce inoculum transfer and disease incidence.