Management of Major Seed-Borne Fungi of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) with Four Selected Botanical Extracts

Seed-borne fungal pathogens present significant constrain to the production and conservation of many seed crops including cowpea. Infection mature seeds by such could result in mycotoxin contamination, loss viability, decay seeds. This study aimed identify seed-borne fungi on 200 accessions cowpea under cold storage at CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI), Ghana. Also, antifungal effect Piper nigrum, Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta, fresh leaves Cymbopogon citratus aqueous extracts (100% w/v) major identified was determined. Seven species belonging five genera were from evaluated. However, diversity infection levels pathogenic recorded lower than that saprophytic indicating minimal capacity spread field. Aqueous extract melegueta inhibited growth Fusarium verticillioides 98.40%, Colletotrichum sp. 97.83%, Aspergillus niger 94.70%, flavus 63.38%. The only other colony above 60% nigrum which 71.7% 63.47%. Due benign environment non-target organisms, its use as a protectant is highly recommended. Further studies establish spectrum activity dose are