ISSN 2756-3413
African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 4 (11), pp. 001-004, November, 2010. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Fungal contaminants of the oil palm tissue culture in Nigerian institute for oil palm research (NIFOR)
I. B. Omamor, A.O. Asemota, C. R. Eke and E. I. Eziashi*
Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Plant Pathology Division, P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria.
Accepted 14 July, 2010
Abstract
Twenty-five species of fungi belonging to 14 genera were identified as fungal contaminants of the oil palm tissue culture materials (explant, callus/embroid and plantlets). Of these genera Penicillium sp. occurred most frequently (40.8%), followed by Curvularia sp. (14.5%) Cladosporium sp. (13.4%), Aspergillus sp. (10.1%), Acremonium, Fusarium and Alternaria spp. (4.5%) respectively. Rhizopus (3.4%), Trichoderma, Pestalotia and Helminthosporium spp. (1.1%) respectively. Paecilomyces, Dreschlera and Pythium spp. were the least frequents (0.6%) respectively. These fungal species were found to cause death of the culture material. Some probable sources of contaminations such as handling of plant materials, culture vessels and the laboratory were discussed.
Key words: Fungal contaminants, oil palm tissue culture.