African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 2(10), pp. 534-537, October, 2007

ISSN 1991- 637X­© 2007 Academic 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.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: eziashius@yahoo.com

Accepted 24 September, 2007

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.