INCIDENCE AND BOTANICAL CONTROL OF SEED-BORNE FUNGI OF COWPEA IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cowpea grains marketed in Minna, Nigeria were assessed for seed-borne fungi. The fungi were isolated and identified by standard methods of culturing and sub-culturing. The isolated fungi species were Aspergillus niger (19.78%) and Fusarium verticilloides (14.85%), Mucor spp. (5.95%), Penicillium spp. (4.95%) and Rhizopus spp. (0.99%). The fungistatic efficacy of crude leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Blumea perotitiana and Lippia multiflora were assessed in-vitro on the predominant isolated fungi (A. niger and F. verticilloides). The percentage mycelial inhibition of the plants leaf extracts were compared with the synthetic fungicide (Apron star®) and the control for 10 days. Under 2500 and 5000ug/ml treatment, the apron star® significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mycelial growth of A. niger and F. verticilloides by 92% and 93%, respectively (Table-3). Next to this was the inhibitory effect of lippia + blumea extracts on A. niger (56%) and F. verticilloides (32%). Under 5000ug/ml treatment, the inhibitory effect of lippia + blumea extracts on A. niger (65%) and on F. verticilloides (48.78%). Neem leaf extract treatment only was the least effective among the botanical extract tested. Though the leaf extracts used were efficacious but were not as effective as the synthetic fungicide. The crude bioextracts could be purified and formulated in order to improve its efficacy. .