Fungal species associated with <i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp (Cowpea) seed from parts of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted on fungal organisms associated with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) seeds obtained from three Local Government Areas in Enugu state, namely Nsukka, Igbo-eze and Udenu L. G. A. In each L. G. A., the seeds were collected from two different towns: Lejja and Orba for Nsukka L. G. A;Aku and Ukehe for Igbo-eze L. G. A and lastly Ezimo and Ubollo for Udenu L. G. A. Standard Blotter Method and Agar method were used for the isolation of Fungi. Cowpea seeds from different locations had varying levels of infestation with fungi. Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem, Botryodiplodia theobromae (Pat) Novel, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht and Rhizopus stolonifer Ehrenb ex Link were isolated from both blotter and agar methods. Botryodiplodia theobromae had the highest mean occurrence (42.37%) followed by Fusarium oxysporum (30.02%), Aspergillus niger (21.99%) and lastly, Rhizopus stolonifer (10.15%). The occurrences of fungi isolate according to the location were observed with Fusarium oxysporum occurring most in Lejja and Aku by 24 isolates and 18 isolates respectively. In Orba, Aspergillus niger occurred most by 19 isolates. In Ukehe, Ezimo and Obimo, Botryodiplodia theobromae occurred most by 21 isolates, 19 isolates and 11 isolates respectively. Seed pathogens cause reduction in cooking quality, nutritive values, and decrease germinability of seeds and total decay. Cowpea serve as an important food in Africa. There is need for regular seed testing and adequate seed treatment so as to ensure that growers produce healthy plant produce

Keywords: Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp seed, fungi, Isolation, Pathogenecity