Fungal isolates of groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i> L) seeds in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundnut, an important crop grown in Nigeria, is highly susceptible to diseases caused by some plant pathogenic fungi, thereby leading to loss of yield. Isolations were made from fungi-infested groundnut seed samples. Four seeds from each sample were aseptically plated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Pure isolates were identified using cultural and microscopic characters, then stored in agar slants until they were ready for use. Data were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results of isolation identified six fungi associated with groundnut seeds to include Aspergillus flavus (88.90±19.22%), A. parasiticus (44.43±19.28%), A. niger (100.00±0.00%), Penicillium chrysogenum (44.43±19.28%), Trichoderma virens (33.30±0.00%) and Chrysonilia sitophila (77.80±19.22%). The percentage occurrence of A. niger was found to be the highest followed by A. flavus and C. sitophila. These fungi were found to be associated with groundnut seeds in storage. Therefore, good sanitary measures and planting of resistant varieties of groundnut should be used to prevent spoilage of groundnut seeds.