A survey of plant parasitic fungi occurring on selected native Namibian trees species of economic importance

P. M. Chimwamurombe*, J. D. Uzabakiriho and I. Mapaure

Department of Biology, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, Windhoek (Namibia)

ABSTRACT: Over the past few years an increase in Acacia trees showing disease symptoms has been observed in the Windhoek Municipality area and the rest of Namibia. The importance of indigenous trees to the Namibia flora is apparent considering that Namibia has two old deserts in its boarders. The trees provide vegetation cover and browsing food matter to domestic livestock and wild animals, another value is in the tourism and meat industry for Namibia. Hence it is important to ensure that this vegetation is kept healthy. This survey is the first dedicated step to find ways of protecting them from disease causing agents. The aim of this survey was to investigate the possible cause of disease symptoms on trees. It is after understanding the biology of the pathogenic agents that a possible control method can be proposed. The survey involved sampling leaves, stems and roots from dying trees showing symptoms like branch girdling, gum oozing and defoliation, suspicious general twig wilting and die-back. The survey was carried out in places where symptoms were observed. The tree surveys were done on Syzygium and Acacia species. Primary isolations from plant material and then single spore pure cultures were made for identification. In this communication, we report isolation and identification of Microsphearopsis sp. Dreschelra sp., Botryosphearia spp. Acremonium spp, Coniothyrium sp, Phellinus spp, Cytospora sp., Fusarium sp., Scytalidium sp, Phoma spp, and Gliomastix sp. Trichoderma koningii, Peacilomyces variotii, Alternaria citri and Curvularia palescens from the diseased trees.

KEYWORDS: Plant parasite; fungi; Namibian trees; economic importance

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