Seed-borne Fungi of Pinus tecunumanii Seeds in Tanzania

Abstract

Seed health is an important attribute to be taken care of since it is from a healthy seed that a healthy plant is regenerated. Seed-borne fungi are among the severe pathogens causing significant losses in the quantity and quality of Pinus seeds. Fungi reduce seedling vigor and low seed germination to disease. The study aimed to detect and identify seed-borne fungus in certified and uncertified Pinus tecunumanii seeds in Iringa area. The research was conducted from January to May 2022. Seed samples were collected from four seed lots: Mafinga, Kilolo, Makungu, and the Private Forestry Programme (PFP). The blotter test method was used to grow seed-borne fungi. For identification, a compound microscope was used to look at the formed fungal colonies. The percentages of pure seeds from PFP were higher at (99%) than those collected from Kilolo (95%), Mafinga (94.5%), and Makungu (91.5%). PFP seeds had the highest germination percentage (94.75%), followed by Kilolo (91.75%), Mafinga (91.25%), and Makungu (89.25%). The highest frequency of Fusarium spp. was observed in PFP (65%), followed by Makungu (48.04%), Kilolo (47.67%), and the lowest was Mafinga (43.75%). The frequency of Aspergillus niger was highest in Makungu (34.31%), Mafinga (32.29%), Kilolo (29.07%), and PFP (20.48%), while the frequency of Rhizopus spp. was higher in Makungu (5.88%), followed by Kilolo (5.81%), and Mafinga (5.20%). There was no occurrence of Rhizopus spp. in PFP. Moreover, the incidences were higher in non-certified seeds than in certified seeds. The research will help to sustainably produce high-quality seeds for the growth of pinus trees in forests and nurseries.