Diseases of cashew nut plants (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Brazil

Cashew is an extremely important source of income for thousands of people in the Brazilian Northeastern-in growing the plant, in harvesting the nuts, in processing the kernels and apples, and in marketing the products. Diseases have been reported to cause significant cashew yield loss in Brazil, a major cashew-producing country. Anthracnose is by far the most important disease. Other foliar infections, namely black mould, angular leaf spot and powdery mildew are considered of lesser importance. Gummosis of branches and trunk has increased its severity in all northeastern producing states. Nematode attack has so far not been detected in this crop. Fungal deterioration of kernels, a pre- and post-harvest problem, causes losses of million of dollars per annum. The spraying of pesticides in Brazilian cashew plantatations is seldom practiced by most farmers due to economic and social reasons. Some diseases are more severe on dwarf cashew clones than on common tall cashew plants. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.