The seed is an important propagative material for most food and pasture crops. Seed-borne diseases of cereals, grain legumes, fibre, root and tubers, ornamentals, pastures and vegetable crops cause decreased yields and, in some cases, total loss of affected crops. The provision of efficient seed health testing centres is an insurance against outbreaks of diseases. This paper presents a general as well as a specific review of seed-borne diseases of most crops. Suggestions are made for the establishment of improved, well staffed and equipped seed health testing centres in Nigeria.
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