Prevalence and Incidence of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Brown Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Cercospora heningsii in Macuata Province, Vanua Levu, Fiji

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crop of many values in the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In Fiji, cassava is cultivated on vast acres of land but, the yield obtained is relatively lower because of many constraints, including the prevalence of diseases caused by the different pathogens. Among various pathogens responsible for a lower yield, the cassava brown leaf spot disease caused by Cercospora heningsii is responsible for causing enormous annual losses of cassava in tropical and subtropical regions. Because there is very little information regarding the association of the brown leaf spot disease and cassava in the country, the present study using survey as research instrument endeavors to determine the disease incidence and prevalence of brown leaf spot disease in the cassava fields of three villages (Mani Road, Boca, and Anuve) in the Bulileka area of the Macuata province in Vanua Levu, Fiji. The study found that brown leaf spot disease prevailed (100%) in all three villages. The percentage of disease incidence ranged from 36.4% to 42.9%. The maximum incidence (42.9%) of cassava brown leaf spot disease was found in Anuve village, followed by Mani Road village (38.2%), with the lowest disease incidence recorded for Boca village (36.4%).