Fusarium verticillioides is a major seed borne fungal pathogen of maize causing rots and seedling
blight, and secretion of toxigenic compounds in grains. This study aimed at reducing the seedling blight and mycotoxin
contamination level of maize caused by
F. verticillioides with environmentally friendly antagonistic microorganisms. One
gram of ground mycelia of each of the species of Trichoderma,
B. subtilis
and
P. fluorescens
was suspended in 100, 200,
300 and 400ml of distilled water to determine the inoculum concentrations. Maize seeds were treated with inoculum and
planted at least 2 seeds per pot in replicates of 3 pots. Two grams of ground mycelial mat of the pathogen was added (at
planting) per ten (10) kilogram of sterile soil. Germination percentage of these seeds was taken on the 14, 21, and 28 days
after planting. Observations were on incidence and severity of the disease, from germination period till harvest.
T. pseudokoningii
at its C3 gave the best germination percentage, and
P. fluorescens inoculum at C2 was the best for the
control of the pathogen, which is comparatively effective as Benomyl against
F. verticillioides. The use of ecofriendly
control alternative like
T. pseudokoningii and
P.fluorescens should be used to in place Benomyl; it has no residual effect
on the environment.
