Abstract:
Three seed samples of maize from Ibadan an South-western Nigeria showing different forms of
discolouration and abnormalities were screened for associated fungi. Fusarium moniliforme and
Aspergillus flavus were isolated from all the categories of seed tested. The percentage incidence of F.
moniliforme was significantly higher on seeds which showed white streaks, purple/pink discolouration,
discoloured germ end and wrinkling, than that of any other fungus. Cephalosporium acremonium and
Nigrospora oryzae were also associated with seeds that showed white streaks. Fusarium graminearum was
associated with purple/pink discolouration while Drechslera maydis, Fusarium semitectum, Curvularia
lunata and Colletotrichumgraminicola were observed on seeds with brown spots. Botryodiplodia theobromae
was more predominant on blackened seeds. Cephalosporium acremonium, B. theobromae, D. maydis in
addition to F. moniliforme were mainly associated with seeds showing discoloured germ ends while
wrinkled seeds were observed to harbour A moniliforme, D. maydis and C. graminicola.
