Collar rot of aibika

Abstract

Aibika (Abelmoschus manihot) is an impor­tant traditional leafy green vegetable grown in Papua New Guinea. It is particu­larly important in the lowlands, where it is grown in over 75% of food gardens. The young leafy shoots are used as food. Aibika has a higher nutrient content than most other green leafy vegetables. This important crop suffers from a serious disease commonly known as collar rot. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae var nicotianae. Collar rot of aibika occurs mostly in the lowlands provinces.