ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to investigate the causal agent of brown leaf spot (BLS) of cassava in Kenyanfields. Infected cassava leaf samples showing BLS disease symptoms were collected from Kenya Agriculturaland Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) experimental fields in central and western Kenya. Fungalpathogens associated with the disease were isolated from the cassava leaf samples on potato dextrose agaramended with antibiotics. Three fungal isolates, belonging to the genera Colletotrichum, Alternaria, andCladosporium, were identified as the causative agents of BLS with relative prevalence of 41%, 24%, and 18%,respectively. Susceptible cassava variety TME 204 was inoculated with single and combinations of purifiedisolates of the three pathogens in a randomized design in the greenhouse. The combination of the three isolatesresulted in typical BLS symptoms as observed in the field. The findings of this study would help to understandthe disease, contribute to its better management, and eventually alleviate food insecurity, especially in theregions where cassava is a major staple food and a source of income.