Seed abnormalities and associated mycoflora of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The health of wheat seeds produced under rain-fed conditions in South Western Nigeria was investigated. There were more abnormal (1.0 - 79.7%) than normal (10.7 - 28.7%) seeds. Forms of seed abnormality observed include wrinkled seeds (64.2 - 79.7%), entirely discoloured seeds (1.0 - 12.5%), seeds with discoloured embryo (germ) (1.2 - 1.5%) and brush (0.25 - 1.25%) ends. Fusarium graminearum and Helminthosporium sativum were associated with all seeds, but at higher levels in abnormal (F. graminearum, 0.5 - 78.5%; H. sativum, 2.5 - 86.0%) than normal seeds (F. graminearum, 2.25%; H. sativum, 0.75%). Viability of abnormal seeds was 1.50 - 32.0% which is much lower than the 88.0% germination of normal seeds. Key words: Fungi, seed health testing, seed discolouration, wheat. © 2005 Academic Journals.