2025/11/02 by Ogundeji, B. A., Adewoye, G. A., Adeduntan, D. G. +2
#Cocoa #adjacent forest #agroecology #fungi #pathogen
paper · doi:10.82552/njhs.v29i4.32-40
Sustainable cocoa production in Nigeria requires a deeper understanding of soil fungal diversity and physicochemical properties across different agroecological zones. This study assessed fungal community structure and some soil parameters in cocoa farms and their adjacent forests across six major cocoa-producing states, in Nigeria. A total of 22 fungal species from 11 genera were isolated. Fusarium spp. (including F. solani) was the most prevalent, constituting 27.30% to 52.94% of isolates in most locations. Aspergillus niger was also widespread, accounting for 5.88% to 27.30%. In contrast, Trichoderma spp., known for their biocontrol potential, were restricted to the Kabba forest site (2.17%), while the cocoa pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae was found exclusively in Kabba (7.69%), Uhonmora (4.17%), and Ikom (10.00%) cocoa farm soils. Soil pH ranged from 4.27 in Uhonmora forest to 6.04 in Ibadan and Owena cocoa farms, with farm soils generally less acidic than adjacent forests. Organic carbon levels varied from 1.42% (Ikom forest) to 5.57% (Uhonmora cocoa farm), and organic matter content ranged between 2.44% and 9.58%. All soils exhibited sandy textures, with sand content spanning 56.24% to 88.24%. The results revealed a considerable spatial variability in soil fungal populations and edaphic characteristics influenced by land use and ecological factors. These findings provide a baseline for the development of targeted soil and disease management strategies to enhance cocoa health and yield across Nigeria.