Fungal Pathogens Affecting the Quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seed in Selected Agro-ecological Zones of Liberia

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the presence and characterization of fungal pathogens in rice grains collected from four major rice producing counties in Liberia. Samples were collected from rice farmers in Bong, Lofa, Montserrado, and Nimba Counties during the dry season and taken to a laboratory in Kenya for isolation and characterization of fungal colonies. The results showed that Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp were the most abundant fungal isolates found in the rice grains. The most abundant fungal isolate was Aspergillus niger, followed by A. flavus and Penicillium spp. The study showed that the extensive presence of these fungi in rice grains is favored by warm and humid subtropical climates similar to Liberia, which can encourage conditions for fungal contamination. Other fungi found were Fusarium spp and Pyricularia oryzae. The findings of this study highlight the importance of controlling fungal contamination in stored rice grains to ensure food safety and security.