Abstract: The major challenges of the family Cucurbitaceae posed by bacteria and the prospects was evaluated. This was done with the view
to knowing the disease types, damage and prospects in practice for the identified challenges and hence, aims to improve yield of this family. The
method adopted was research approach. Literatures were consulted form reliable sources and documented. From the study, a host of bacterial
agents pose threat to the cultivation and production of members of the cucurbit family. Among the challenges posed by bacterial pathogens to the
curcubitaceae includes fruit deterioration leading to yield loss, collapse and death of infected plant in severe cases, affected fruits have spoilt taste,
damage to succulent part such as fruit, tubers, stems and bulbs of plants in nearly every plant family etc. The prospect in recent times include
exploitation of biocontrol method like useof Endophytic bacteria (EB) for angular leaf disease, exploitation integrated biocontrol for the
management of bacterial wilt, deployment of bacteriophage for bacterial leaf spot, use of bacterial predators Bdellovibro and like organisms
(BALOs) for bacterial soft rot disease. The result gotten from this study is useful to advice farmers and educate researchers in the various disease
management practices for optimum yield of members of the cucurbitaceae family.
Keywords: Bacterial agents, biocontrol methods, cucurbitaceae, Management, Symptoalogy.
jaerem NEW Robert, U. A 25B
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