FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF MANGO TREES IN USMANUDANFODIYO UNIVERSITY SOKOTO, MAIN CAMPUS

Abstract

This study assessed the Factors Responsible for the Death of Mango Trees in UsmanuDanfodiyo University Sokoto, Main Campus. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the mostpopular and commonly eaten fruit among millions of people in tropical areas; it is a familymember of the Anacardiaceae, one of the crops grown abundantly throughout the Nigeriantropics. The specific objectives are to: Determine the biotic (such as pests and diseases) andabiotic factors (such as soil quality, water availability, and climate conditions) that maycontribute to the health decline and mortality of mango trees within the university’sagricultural setting; to assess the impact of recent environmental changes (such astemperature fluctuations, humidity, and changes in land use) on the growth and survival ofmango trees, exploring how these factors may correlate with observed mortality rates; toevaluate the current agricultural and management practices employed in the care of mangotrees at the university, and to determine how these practices may influence tree health andmortality rates, and identifying areas for improvement. Surveys was carrying out in July,2025 in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto permanent site to determine the frequencyof occurrence of disease of mango. At each site, 10 randomly selected and 5 year oldmangoes was inspected. The frequency of occurrence was taken as the number of mangotrees affected by the disease expressed as percentage of the total number of mango trees at alocation. The results revaled that; 28% of the responses were on the opinion thatYellowing/ Wilting of leaves of mango is among the symptoms affected the mango trees,42% were on the opinion that Black spots/ lesions on leaves or stems is the symptoms ofaffected the death mango trees, 10.0% of the respondents believed that Fungal growth issymptom affecting mango trees, while 14% of the respondents were on the opinion thatCracking/ Rotting of stem is the symptom to be observed in the affect mango trees. Thestudy concluded that; the death of mango trees in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokotocan be attributed to several possible factors, based on the investigation and available data:The harsh climatic conditions, including high temperatures and low rainfall, might havecaused significant stress to the mango trees.