Abstract
A research study was conducted to identify and characterise seed-borne fungal pathogens associated with maize (Zea mays L.) in storage. Seed-borne fungal pathogenic infections of maize were studied using seed samples collected from Gokwe South District in Zimbabwe. The agar plating method using PDA medium was used to detect fungal pathogens on the maize seeds. A total of 150 treatments were used for this experiment, which were replicated three times in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). Analysis of the grain showed the presence of Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium citrinum, and mostly Aspergillus species, namely, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tamarii. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments were detected for the pathogens. A total of ten samples were used for mycotoxin determination, and all of them were 100% positive with aflatoxin total, zearalenone, fumonisin, and deoxynivalenol (DON) having an average of 0.255 ppb, 2.425 ppb, 2.65 ppb, and 0.07 ppb, respectively. The present study showed that most grain samples are contaminated with different species of fungi with mycotoxigenic potential. The data on the diversity and magnitude of pathogen infection by fungal species will have a significant effect even at the regional level for predicting the extent of pre- and postinfections. Measures to reduce mycotoxin contamination are needed for maize grains.
Highlights
Fungal pathogens cause contamination of grain crops including maize (Zea mays L.) prior to harvesting or after harvesting. is contamination gives rise to several fungal seed-borne pathogens that can be identified on seeds or cause a number of diseases [1]
Containers recorded the highest Fusarium moniliforme infection, while kitchen recorded the lowest (Table 2). e highest Rhizopus stolonifer infection was noted in cotton bags, and none was detected in the container. e highest Penicillium citrinum infection was recorded in house sacks, and the container recorded no infection (Table 2)
A significantly (p < 0.05) high level of A. parasiticus infection was noted in the kitchen as there was no significant difference in the amount of infection recorded in the other environments (Table 3)
Summary
Fungal pathogens cause contamination of grain crops including maize (Zea mays L.) prior to harvesting or after harvesting. is contamination gives rise to several fungal seed-borne pathogens that can be identified on seeds or cause a number of diseases [1]. Fungal pathogens cause contamination of grain crops including maize (Zea mays L.) prior to harvesting or after harvesting. Is contamination gives rise to several fungal seed-borne pathogens that can be identified on seeds or cause a number of diseases [1]. Certain seed-borne fungal pathogens produce mycotoxins, which are substances that cause the deterioration of grain quality, poor germination capacity, and reduced vigour [2]. Fungal pathogens that produce mycotoxins that were detected on maize include Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Rhizopus species. Hussain et al [3] reported a number of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins and sterigmatocystin, which are produced by Aspergillus species. Fusarium species produce a broad spectrum of mycotoxins that are of notable importance, such as trichothecenes of A and B types. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and nevalenol are the most important B-type mycotoxins
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