Seed transmission of maize downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi) in Nigeria

In an area of Nigeria where downy mildew of maize is present, histological assessment of maize seed revealed the presence of mycelium and oospores of Peronosclerospora sorghi in the kernels. Seed transmission of downy mildew of maize was demonstrated when grain purchased at local markets gave mean seedling infection rates of 12·3% (untreated seeds) and 10·0% (in metalaxyl-treated seeds) within 7 days of emergence, after storage in a desiccator for 30 days. When untreated seeds taken from nubbin ears of systemically infected plants from four states in southern Nigeria were planted at 9 days (17–22% moisture content) and 27 days (9–22% moisture content) after harvest, 20·0% infected seedlings resulted in both trials. Seeds from Borno state in northern Nigeria had 26·6% systemic seedling infection after 9 months of storage at 11% moisture content. When seeds harvested from maize plants inoculated with P. sorghi through silks were examined histologically, hyphae of P. sorghi were observed mostly in the scutellum of the embryo. Transmission of disease to seedlings was observed when the silk-inoculated seeds (9% moisture content) were planted in pots in a greenhouse; however, no disease transmission was observed when such seeds were planted in the field. The epidemiological significance of seed transmission is discussed with particular reference to survival of inoculum and development of epidemics. Also noteworthy is the overall significance of seed transmission in Nigeria, where the major source of seed is that saved by farmers from their grain crop, occasionally supplemented by seed bought from the local market.