Germination of several groundnut cultivars in relation to incidence of fungi

Abstract

This experiment is concerned with the germination of nine cultivars of groundnut grown in Nigeria in relation to incidence of fungi. The cultivars were NHK 5V8, NUTII 288, Samnut 10, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24 and MK 373. Germination potential was assessed after 10 days of planting in petri-dishes. Parameters such as seedling vigour and electrical conductivity were assessed. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used to isolate the fungi grown in each seed types and the fungi were identified. Four species of fungi: Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium sp and Penicillium sp were isolated in all the nine cultivars at varying degree except Aspergillus niger that was absent in Samnut 24. Fusarium sp. was preponderant in NUTII288, Samnut 22, 23 and 24. Whereas A. flavus was highest in NHK5V8, MK 373 and Samnut 21. The species such as A. niger and Penicillium sp were respectively high in occurrence in Samnut 10 and 11. Samnut 23 showed highest percentage germination followed by Samnut 24 and 21 (100-90%). All other cultivars had percentage germination between 70-80%. The results of speed, ability and seedling vigour followed similar trend as recorded for percentage germination. Seeds with higher vigour showed lower conductivity test as compared to those with low vigour. Generally, cultivars with high germination potential showed low incidence of fungal attack.

Keywords: Germination, Seedling Vigour, Conductivity, Aspergilus niger. Groundnut