ABSTRACT

Thirty samples of maize kernels variety, Bende White, were obtained from the six (6) major markets (Ahiaukwu Market, Apumiri Market, Ndioru Market, Nkwoegwu Market, Town Market and Umuokpara Market) within Umuahia metropolis, with 5 samples from each market tested for seedborne fungi. Examination of the kernels after incubation and seedling symptom tests, were carried out. Four replicates of 100 kernels per replicate with 10 kernels per Petri dish of each sample were plated using the standard blotter method. Isolation and identification of the seed-borne fungi were done and their percentage occurrences determined. The pathogenic potentials of the isolated seed-borne fungi were tested in the green house of Department of Plant Health Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, using healthy maize seedlings and the experiment was replicated three times for each fungus. Some seed dressing fungicides (Aldrex T, Benlate, Fernasan D, Funguran — OH, and Z — Force) were screened for the management of the seed-borne fungal pathogens isolated. The effects of the fungicides on the germination percentages of the maize kernels were also considered. In all the studies done, completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used. Results showed that the seed-borne fungi associated with maize kernels grown in Umuahia metropolis are Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium monlilforme and Pen/cf//urn oxailcurn with percentage occurences of 15.48%, 26.60%, 10.95% and 2.52% respectively. All the isolated fungi were found to be pathogenic on maize seedlings.The seed —borne pathogenic fungi were found not to be seed transmissible. Of all the seed dressing fungicides tested, benlate proved to be the most effective. Benlate completely inhibited the growth of A .flavus,A.ni'er, F.monf/iforme and P.oxallcum from the maize kernels obtained from Umuahia metropolis.