Evaluating Germination Performance and Fungal Diversity in Farmer-saved Sorghum Seeds

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 4, 1045 - 1053, 26.12.2025

Purity Cherop , Benson Nyongesa

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.4.7

Abstract

Farmer-saved sorghum seeds remain the pillar of smallholder seed systems in sub-Saharan Africa, yet their quality after repeated recycling is not well known, raising concerns for crop establishment, productivity, and food security. This study evaluated germination percentage and the diversity of seed-borne fungal pathogens in farmer-saved sorghum seeds. Seven sorghum variety–source combinations, which consisted of improved and local varieties, were tested under disinfected and non-disinfected conditions. Germination was assessed following International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) protocols, while fungal pathogens were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar and identified using morphological features. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant effects of treatment, variety–source, and their interaction on germination percentage (p < 0.001). Disinfection improved germination across all samples, with gains of up to 111.7% in MUK27F1 and 62.2% in E5F2, raising germination above 90% in disinfected seeds. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Rhizopus were identified, with Fusarium and Rhizopus being most prevalent. E117bF2 was infected by all four genera, while E5F2, E5F4, and Nyatata KurrF1 had only Rhizopus. Fungal contamination reduced germination performance of farmer-saved sorghum seeds. This study is among the first in linking fungal pathogen diversity to germination performance in smallholder seed systems in western Kenya. We recommend promoting low-cost, scalable sanitation approaches alongside improved storage practices to safeguard and strengthen seed quality. Future research should incorporate complementary methods, such as surface sanitation, blotter tests and deep-freezing blotter for precise assessment of fungal diversity in farmer-saved sorghum seeds.

Keywords

Disinfection , Farmer-saved seed , Fungal diversity , Germination , Seed-borne fungi , Sorghum

Supporting Institution

This research was supported by the McKnight Foundation through the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CRFS), project grant No. 20-085.

Project Number

20-085

Thanks

This research was supported by funding from the McKnight Foundation through the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CRFS), whose contribution is gratefully acknowledged. We are also grateful to the University of Eldoret for providing access to laboratory facilities essential for the successful completion of this study. We further extend our appreciation to Ms. Emily Chelimo for her valuable technical assistance during the research process. Special thanks are also due to Ms. Samantha Cynthia Akinyi for her meticulous editing of the manuscript, which significantly enhanced its clarity and overall presentation.

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