Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungi Associated with Anthracnose Disease of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) In Lafia, Nasarawa State

Anthracnose disease is a critical challenge in pepper cultivation, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like Nigeria, leading to significant yield losses and reduced fruit quality annually. A study was conducted to identify and control pathogens associated with anthracnose disease of pepper fruits in Lafia. Fungi associated with infected fruits were isolated and identified using morphological characteristics. Identified fungi were subjected to pathogenicity tests to evaluate their disease producing potentials in healthy pepper fruits. Results of morphological identification of the fungi isolated from anthracnosed pepper fruits in Lafia showed that the fungi were identified in two genera, namely Aspergillus and Fusarium. Results of pathogenicity test showed that fruit rot diameters were higher in fruits inoculated with A. niger (5.12 cm), compared to fruits inoculated with Fusarium sp. (1.90 cm diameter) after six days. The differences in rot diameters among the pepper fruits inoculated with the two fungi were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Control measures targeted at the prevention of fruit contamination by A. niger will go a long way to minimize yield losses of tomato in the study area.