Correlations between soil physicochemical properties and the incidence and severity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis in oil palm plantations of Cameroon

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a key cash crop in Cameroon but is severely dreaded by vascular wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis (FOE). This study evaluated how soil physicochemical properties influence the incidence and severity of FOE across four Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) estates: Bota, Mondoni, Debundscha, and Idenau. Twelve bulked soil samples were collected, processed and analyzed for major soil physicochemical properties. Tolerant oil palm hybrid seeds were planted in soils collected from these estates and some in sterilized soil (control experiment) to evaluate incidence and severity. The R statistical package was used for analysis. Results showed that soils from Debundscha had the highest disease incidence (75%) and lowest in Mondoni (25%). In contrast, soils from Idenau had the highest disease severity index (12.02%) and lowest in Mondoni (4.55%). Correlation analysis revealed that total nitrogen was moderately and positively correlated with disease incidence. Whereas, organic carbon (OC), C/N ratio, sulfate (SO4), and pH showed negative correlation. These findings highlight that soil fertility, particularly nutrient imbalances, significantly influence FOE development. Therefore, we suggest appropriate management of soil properties through balanced nutrient inputs and eco-friendly amendments to mitigate vascular wilt in oil palm.