Laboratory studies were carried out to isolate, identify and control the fungi associated with stored maize seeds
(Zea mays L.). Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitata were isolated from samples collected from Abocho,
Egume, Anyigba and Dekina, Kogi State, Nigeria. Anti-fungal activity of three medicinal plants viz: Lemon
grass (Cymbopogon citratus Staph.), Morinda (Morinda lucida L.) and castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) on the
radial mycelial growth control and inhibition of these two fungi were evaluated at 100, 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3
concentrations. In vitro application of extracts for the control showed that anti-fungal activity was more on
Penicillium digitata than on Aspergillus niger, especially at higher concentrations (100 and 10-1). These extracts
on Aspergillus niger showed progressive retardations on the vegetative growth. The inhibitory action of the two
extracts on mycelial growth increased with increase in concentrations; giving toxicity profile of 100 > 10-1 > 10-2
in that order and were significant at 0.05% on LSD value.
Keywords: Maize (Zea mays), fungi, plant extracts, vegetative growth, concentrations.
PAPER TITLE :ACTIVITY OF THREE MEDICINAL PLANTS ON FUNGI ISOLATED FROM STORED MAIZE SEEDS (ZEA MAYS (L.)
FUTA JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE | VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2 2014
Paper Details
- Author(s) : *M.N. Suleiman and O.M. Omafe
- Abstract:
