Research Article
Surveillance of Powdery Mildew Disease on Cashew in Selected Growing Ecologies of Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
47-54
Received:
10 April 2026
Accepted:
21 April 2026
Published:
12 May 2026
Abstract: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a major perennial cash crop in Nigeria, yet its productivity is increasingly constrained by many factors of which pests are major, notably powdery mildew, a fungal disease. This study presents a baseline disease audit assessing the occurrence, incidence, severity, and distribution of cashew powdery mildew in six major cashew producing states of Nigeria: Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Benue, Enugu, and Edo. Field surveys were conducted during the flowering and fruiting period of the year 2024 production season, and a multistage sampling technique was employed. A total of 250 trees were assessed per state, targeted at young, actively growing tissue which are usually susceptible to mildew infection. A 1 sqm quadrants were placed on two opposite sides of the cashew canopies for assessment of affected parts. Powdery mildew incidence and severity were assessed on leaves, inflorescences, apples and nuts using standardized visual scoring methods and damages caused. Powdery mildew was detected in all surveyed states, with overall moderate disease pressure. Mean disease incidence ranged from 28.5% to 46.2% across surveyed states, while severity was highest on cashew apples, followed by leaves and least on the nuts. Disease severity also differed significantly among plant parts (p < 0.05), with highest mean in the apples in Oyo and Kwara States. The state-level disease pressure: low (<30%), moderate (30–45%), and relatively high (>45%) incidence, spatial analysis identified Oyo as high incidence zone, while Kwara, and Kogi States as moderate disease hotspots. The widespread presence of the disease underscores the need for regular disease surveillance and the adoption of integrated disease management strategies. The study provides the first multi-state baseline data on cashew powdery mildew in Nigeria and establishes a reference framework for long-term disease monitoring, extension services, future research and policy formulation.
Abstract: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a major perennial cash crop in Nigeria, yet its productivity is increasingly constrained by many factors of which pests are major, notably powdery mildew, a fungal disease. This study presents a baseline disease audit assessing the occurrence, incidence, severity, and distribution of cashew powdery mildew in si...
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Research Article
Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Comparative Analysis of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis in Plateau State, Nigeria (1990–2025)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
55-63
Received:
30 April 2026
Accepted:
14 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20261403.12
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Abstract: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remain major public health concerns in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State where environmental and socio-economic conditions favour transmission. This study assessed the spatio-temporal distribution and comparative epidemiology of schistosomiasis and STH across Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Plateau State from 1990 to 2025 using secondary data from published literature. Data were stratified into four time periods (1990–1999, 2000–2009, 2010–2019, and 2020–2025) and analysed to identify spatial patterns, temporal trends, and co-endemicity. Results showed that schistosomiasis prevalence was historically high, with values exceeding 60% in some LGAs, but declined significantly in recent years, with near elimination observed in Pankshin (0.0%). In contrast, STH prevalence remained widespread, with persistent moderate-to-high levels in several LGAs, including Jos North (38.3%), Jos South (42.6%), and Wase (49.9%). Spatial heterogeneity was evident, with rural LGAs exhibiting higher schistosomiasis prevalence due to water contact, while urban areas showed increased STH prevalence linked to poor sanitation. The findings highlight differential responses to control interventions, with schistosomiasis showing greater reduction compared to STH. Integrated control strategies combining chemotherapy, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and geospatial surveillance are recommended for sustainable disease control. This study will provide the first comprehensive spatiotemporal and comparative analysis of schistosomiasis and STH in Plateau State over a 35-year period, bridging a critical evidence gap for Nigeria's neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) elimination efforts. The findings will directly inform the Plateau State Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Health on how to spatially target limited resources, optimize MDA frequency based on local transmission dynamics, and design integrated WASH-NTD interventions. The methodology is replicable for other NTD-endemic states in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to the WHO 2030 roadmap goals for NTD elimination.
Abstract: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remain major public health concerns in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State where environmental and socio-economic conditions favour transmission. This study assessed the spatio-temporal distribution and comparative epidemiology of schistosomiasis and STH across Local Government Areas (LGAs...
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,
Fiyin Tijesunimi Laoye,
Maria Olufunke Bobinihi,
Alaba Olaitan Adeji
