Abstract:
An investigation was carried out to find the association of fungi with different varieties of
maize seeds in storage during the period of 2011-2015. Samples were collected from
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur. Fungi associated
with seeds of maize were isolated following “Blotter” and “Tissue planting” method. A
total of seven fungi were isolated from the seeds of maize in storage. The isolated fungi
were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium sp.,
Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer. The frequency percentage of association of
Aspergillus niger isolated from maize seeds was higher than any other fungi.
Pathogenic potentiality of the isolated fungi was carried out following seed inoculating
technique. Among the isolated fungi C. lunata and Fusarium sp. were found to be
pathogenic to the maize seeds.
Five fungicides viz., Bavistin 50 WP, Dithane M-45, Greengel 72 WP, Ridomil MZ Gold
and Tall 250 EC were selected to evaluate their in vitro efficacy at different concentrations
against the test fungi. In this study, out of five fungicides Tall 250 EC showed best
inhibiting effect on the test fungi followed by Bavistin 50 WP, Dithane M-45, Greengel 72
WP and Ridomil MZ Gold.
Five plants extracts viz., Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Allium sativum L., Citrus medica L.,
Datura metel L. and Tagetes erecta L. were selected to evaluate their in vitro fungitoxicity
at 5, 10 and 20% concentrations against test fungi. In this study, Allium sativum and
Datura metel showed 100% radial growth inhibition of A. fumigatus at 20% concentration.
The present investigation suggests that out of five fungicides, Tall 250 EC can be used as
best inhibiting chemical agent against the fungi associated with different maize varieties.
Out of five plant extracts, Allium sativum identified as best botanicals for further
investigation against the fungi associated with different maize varieties.
