Fungal Isolation and Characterization from some Ornamental Plants in Baze University Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

A research was carried out to isolate and characterize the fungal community present on some ornamental plants grown in Baze University Abuja Nigeria. Leaf samples showing diseased symptoms were collected from four different ornamental plants in the area (Indian shot, Canna indica; Plantain lily, Hosta undulata; Elephant ear, Caladium sp; and Song of India, Pleomelere flexa. The diseased portions were cut to form an aliquot. Serial dilutions were carried out and the samples were inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated at 27 oC for 5 days. Fungal colonies formed were counted and sub-cultured. Data obtained for occurrence was analyzed in frequency and percentages while for enumeration using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test was used to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed the presence of ten fungal species represented by eight genera associated with the plants: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Mucor racemosus, M. mucedo, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata, Pythium aphanidermatum and Penicillium chrysogenum. Aspergillus niger is the most predominant species. Elephant ear has the highest fungal loads. Four of the fungal species: A. alternata, Aspergillus parasiticus, Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum are potential pathogens while the remaining six species are saprophytes. This implies that the plants are at risk of losing their aesthetic values as such proper attention need to be given to these plants.