Combined Effects of Ocimum gratissimum and Soil-borne Phytopathogenic Fungi on Seedling Growth of Quality Protein Maize

The soil borne phytopathogenic fungi; Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium solani and Curvularia lunata were investigated separately and as combinations for their pathogenicity and possible control with extracts of Ocimum gratissimum on the seedlings of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties (Zea mays L.); ILE 1 and SW 5. The experiment was factorial based and laid out in a completely randomized design, replicated thrice. Data collected on the percentage germination, growth characters and disease severity were statistically analysed. The pathogenic effect of F. solani, F. verticillioides and C. lunata in their factorial combinations significantly (p<0.05) inhibited seed germination of the QPM maize varieties, and showed high disease severity on ILE1 (31.62%) than SW5 (30.37%). Application of O. gratissimum extract at 0.5 g/ml concentration significantly (p<0.05) enhanced seed germination and growth characters of both maize varieties. More so, O. gratissimum extract selectively (p<0.005) reduced disease severity on SW5 but showed relative effect on ILE1 with respect to number of leaves, plant height and leaf area. The extract of O. gratissimum is therefore a potent phytofungicide in the management of phytopathogenic fungi of QPM.