Seasonal Variation in Fungal Pathogens Affecting Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the Agricultural Zones of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Diseases significantly constrain sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, with phytopathogenic fungi causing substantial yield losses. This study examined the seasonal variation in fungal pathogens affecting sweet peppers in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Fungal isolates were obtained from visibly damaged sweet pepper samples collected across the four agricultural zones of the state during the dry season. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium was used for isolation and identification was performed using a DA2-180M Halogen Lamp Microscope (6V, 20W). Results: Eight fungal species were identified: Cephalosporium acremonium, Mucor hiemalis, Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizopus stolonifer and Candida albicans. Morphological traits aligned with established taxonomic descriptions, with Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus identified as potential pathogens in both dry and rainy seasons. Conclusion: The study highlights the diversity of fungal pathogens affecting sweet peppers and recommends further research on their pathogenic potential, molecular characterization and environmental monitoring.