Fungi associated with maize seed discolouration and abnormalities in South-western Nigeria

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.