Abstract

Twenty-five species of fungi belonging to 14 genera were identified as fungal contaminants of the oil palm tissue culture materials (explant, callus/embroid and plantlets). Of these generaPenicillium sp. occurred most frequently (40.8%), followed by Curvularia sp. (14.5%)Cladosporium sp. (13.4%), Aspergillus sp. (10.1%), Acremonium, Fusarium and Alternariaspp. (4.5%) respectively. Rhizopus (3.4%), Trichoderma, Pestalotia and Helminthosporiumspp. (1.1%) respectively. Paecilomyces, Dreschlera and Pythium spp. were the least frequents (0.6%) respectively. These fungal species were found to cause death of the culture material. Some probable sources of contaminations such as handling of plant materials, culture vessels and the laboratory were discussed.

Key words: Fungal contaminants, oil palm tissue culture.