First Report of Powdery Mildew of Cashew Caused by Oidium anacardii in South Africa

Plant Disease
W J Swart

Abstract

The cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale L.) (family Anacardiaceae) is native to Brazil. It was introduced in East Africa by the Portuguese in the 16th century where it is now widely cultivated, especially in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. The processed kernels are the most important product derived from the plant, although in Brazil and India, juices, jam, and alcoholic and soft drinks are also made from the pear-shaped edible receptacle. The plant is currently being evaluated in South Africa for commercial production. During May 2002, at least 25% of 5-year-old cashew trees grown from seed in the northern KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa were infected with powdery mildew. Signs included extensive growth of white, superficial mycelium bearing upright conidiophores on young shoots with tender leaves, inflorescences, and young receptacles. In severely affected trees, approximately 35% of young shoots and 45% of young receptacles displayed signs of powdery mildew. Severely infected young leaves were brown and deformed in contrast to older leaves that were unaffected. Microscopic examination of diseased tissue revealed hyaline, cylindrical-to-slightly doliform, single-celled conidia (10 to 17.5 × 2.5 to 5 μm) borne in chai...Continue Reading

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