Prevalence and Transmission of Seed-borne Fungi of Maize and Their Control by Phenolic Antioxidants

Mohamed Abdul Rahman Elwakil, Khalid Mohamed Ghoneem and Norhan Ahmed Essia Rehan

Background and Objectives: Maize is subjected to attack by several fungal diseases. Most of them are transmitted by seeds causing lower quality of grains. So, this study was to elucidate the transmission mode of some pathogenic isolated from seed to seedlings. Also, to evaluate some phenolic antioxidants on the target pathogens. Materials and Methods: Maize seed-borne fungi were isolated and some antioxidants were tested against selected isolates based on pathogenicity test. Results: A total of 18 genera and 35 species were isolated from maize seed-samples. Pathogenicity test revealed that F. verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum caused high percentages of rotted seeds and seedlings mortality followed by Harpophora maydis. Transmission study showed that F. verticillioides, A. flavus and A. niger were able to transmit to the germinating seeds. Antioxidants (Benzoic Acid (BA), Salicylic Acid (SA) and the formulated antioxidant GAWDA^®) were evaluated in vitro against F. verticillioides. The BA at 7 mM and Salicylic Acid (SA) or GAWDA^® at 9 mM completely inhibited the growth of the target pathogen. Conclusion: Benzoic acid, salicylic acid and GAWDA^® formulation are recommended as safe antifungal agents to inhibit the growth of F. verticillioides and protect maize plants from the invasion of the above fungus.

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