First Report of Powdery Mildew Infecting Eucalyptus Plants in Katsina State, Nigeria

The occurrence of powdery mildew disease on Eucalyptus plant is reported for the first time in Katsina State, Nigeria. A survey of Eucalyptus was conducted in different localities of Katsina for powdery mildew disease from May to September 2014. Ten localities (Kofar Kaura Layout, G.R.A., Barhim Estate, Liyafa Area, H.U.K. Polytechnic, Federal College of Education, Mani Road, Batagarawa Road, Orthopaedic Hospital Area and UMYU Campus) were included in the survey to assess the frequency of the occurrence and intensity of disease on Eucalyptus. All these localities were found to be infested with powdery mildew disease. The result showed the existence of Leveillula taurica on Eucalyptus in Katsina. Highest frequency of the disease was found in UMYU Campus (95%) and lowest in Orthopaedic Hospital Area (25%). The plants were infected and showed typical symptoms of powdery mildew caused by L. taurica. Morphological characteristics of the conidial state of the pathogen were those of L. taurica. This f