Dry season and diurnal surveys of phylloplane fungi of Hevea brasiliensis in Nigeria

Abstract

Monthly and diurnal variation of phylloplane fungi of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) leaves were studied over a period of four months in the dry season, using two culturing methods. Composite fungal population was the highest in April and the lowest in February. Serial dilution method recorded the higher number of fungal spores than ballistospore method. Mature leaves were found to have more fungal spores than premature and young leaves. Spore concentration on the leaves showed diurnal periodicity, with peak period of spores between 12-18 hr. Rubber leaves outside the plantation, had more spores on their surfaces than those shaded by the plantation canopy. The factors responsible for these observations were discussed.