Abstract

The health of wheat seeds produced under rain-fed conditions in South Western Nigeria was investigated. There were more abnormal (1.0 – 79.7%) than normal (10.7 – 28.7%) seeds.  Forms of seed abnormality observed include wrinkled seeds (64.2 – 79.7%), entirely discoloured seeds (1.0 – 12.5%), seeds with discoloured embryo (germ) (1.2 – 1.5%) and brush (0.25 – 1.25%) ends.Fusarium graminearum and Helminthosporium sativum were associated with all seeds, but at higher levels in abnormal (F. graminearum, 0.5 – 78.5%; H. sativum, 2.5 – 86.0%) than normal seeds (F. graminearum, 2.25%; H. sativum, 0.75%). Viability of abnormal seeds was 1.50 – 32.0% which is much lower than the 88.0% germination of normal seeds.

Key words: Fungi, seed health testing, seed discolouration, wheat.