Assessment of Incidences and Severity of Cashew Leaf and Nut Blight Disease (CLNBD) in the Southern Areas of Tanzania

Cashew Leaf and Nut Blight Disease (CLNBD), which is caused by a fungus Cryptosporiopsis spp. is a serious devastating disease to cashew crop (Anacardium occidentale L. ). The disease can cause significant losses in both yields and quality if not controlled. We conducted a survey to determine the incidences and severity of CLNBD in the cashew fields in the south eastern Tanzania covering six districts of Tandahimba, Masasi, Tunduru, Liwale, Nachingwea and Lindi. The results revealed that the disease was prevalent in all of the surveyed areas across the districts, although at varying levels of both incidence and severity. Cashew fields in Tandahimba were most affected by the disease followed by Tunduru, Masasi, Nachingwea and Lindi. However, Liwale appeared to be the least affected. These findings imply that immediate measures are required in developing appropriate management strategies against the disease caused by Cryptosporiopsis pathogen.