Geographical distribution and identification of fungi associated with soybean growing in Burkina Faso

Soybeans are a major crop in developing countries, mainly as seeds in human and animal nutrition and food processing. However, production is affected by various infectious diseases, particularly fungal diseases. This study aimed to analyse geographical distribution and identify fungal pathogens associated to soybean cultivation to help improve soybean health. A total of three soybean production regions were studied and 278 samples were collected in the provinces of Comoé, Houet, Kénédougou and Sissili. Samples were collected using the yield square method. Fungi associated with leaves, stems, roots and pods were cultured on blotting paper and PDA medium. The isolates were identified using the key of Mathur and Kongsdal (2003) and Champion (1997). Seventeen (17) genera were identified, including five dominant genera on leaves: Phoma (17.56%), Colletotrichum (12.88%), Fusarium (11.08%), Macrophomina (10.13%), Cercospora (8.21%). Ten (10) species of common parasitic fungi, namely Alternaria, Cercospora, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Myrothecium, Phoma, Fusarium, Rhizopus were identified on leaves, stems, roots and pods. Fifteen (15) genera were identified, of which three dominated stems and roots: Phoma (20.23%), Fusarium (18.06%) and Colletotrichum (11.27%). Ten (10) genera were identified, including three dominant genera: Fusarium (28.80%), Colletotrichum (22.22%), Phoma (18.89%) and Cercospora (16.67%) in pods only.