Control of Fungi Isolated from Date Palm Fruit in Yola, Adamawa State

Abstract

Samples of dates were purchased from four (4) major markets in Yola, and transferred to Modibbo Adama University of Technology. Isolation of moulds associated with the rot was carried out on solid Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) on 9 cm diameter Petri-dish. Four fungal isolates were obtained and proved through pathogenicity test to be the responsible pathogens. These were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Rhizopus stolonifer. In-vitro and in-vivo control trials with ash and garlic oil showed effective mycelia growth inhibition at p= 0.001. Inhibition improved with increase in concentration of the garlic oil and ash. Heat treatment equally proved worthwhile with significant inhibition compared to the control at p= 0.001. Increase in temperature (0-550C) was rewarded with better control effect.

Keywords: Date palm, Fungi