Assessment of Plant-Pathogenic Fungi in Anthill Soils

 This study aimed at assessing the presence of plant pathogenic fungi in soil samples collected from the immediate vicinities of anthill mounds and adjacent areas. Soil samples were collected from anthill mound and their corresponding adjacent soils, from four sites located in Ekosodin and Ugbowo respectively with both locations sited in Benin City, Nigeria. Enumeration, characterization and identification of fungal isolates were done using standard mycological methods. Selected physical and chemical properties of the soil samples such as total nitrogen and pH were evaluated using appropriate procedures. The expressed phenotypic pathogenicity of the fungal isolates was assessed using relevant techniques. There was a significant difference in the number of pathogenic fungi present in anthill soil when compared to adjacent soil. Fungal isolates observed in all soil samples included; Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium chrysogenum. All the soil samples were acidic with pH values ranging from 5.20 to 6.80 and all the soil samples were also sandy with % sand particle values varying from 91.00 to 96.00. Although anthill soil can be utilized as a soil amendment, there is a need to screen out pathogenic fungi from anthill soil in other to enhance its use as soil amendment.

 

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358-364
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