Influence of eco-friendly control strategies on the germination of mycotoxin secreted Fusarium verticillioides infested maize

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. Keywords: maize, mycotoxin, biocontrol agents, Fusarium spp