FUNGAL DISEASES OF RICE IN NURSERY FARMS IN BAYELSA STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

A survey of fungi association with seed, seedling and straw samples of three rice varieties (Faro 12, Faro 15, and Maliong) obtained from 18 nursery farms in Okuokpoti-Ogbia, a major rice producing community in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria was investigated. Soil samples from the farms were also tested for fungi. A total of 36 samples were tested per study parameter per rice variety. The standard blotter method was used to test the seed, seedling, and straw samples and the soil samples were tested using the serial dilution plate technique on acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) medium in Petri dishes. Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Glomerella cingulata and Penicillium oxalicum were detected in seed and seedling samples of the three rice varieties at varying percentage. Fusarium oxysporum gave the highest percentage occurrence in seeds (48.7%) and seedlings (44.4%) while F. moniliforme gave the lowest percentage occurrence in seeds (19.1%) and seedlings (16.7%). Botryodiplodia theobromae (44.4%), F. moniliforme (5.6%), F. oxysporum (33.5%) and P. oxalicum (10.7%) were isolated from soil samples. All the fungi isolated were found to be seed-borne, seed transmissible and pathogenic except P. oxalicum which was not pathogenic. Botryodiplodia theobromae and G. cingulata which are important pathogens of legumes, root and tuber crops in the tropics and subtropics are reported to be pathogenic on rice for the first time in Nigeria. This is probably due to mixed cropping system. The significance of seed health testing in agricultural production and economy is discussed.


KEY WORDS: Fungal disease, rice, Bayelsa State, nursery farms, Nigeria.


Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 90-92