Study of mycoflora associated with seeds obtained from farmers as compared to certified seeds

Abstract

In India, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a significant legume widely accepted due to high protein and oil content and on account of neutraceutical and pharmaceutical values. The investigation was under taken to determine the seed health status of farmers own saved seeds and certified seeds of soybean, associated mycoflora, its impact on seed sowing quality and management of soybean. During the period 150 seed samples obtained form 09 districts spread over 4 agroclimatic regions were analyzed for the associated mycoflora through Standard blotter method and visual observations on Diaphanoscope. The seed association of Macrophomina phaseolina, causal agent of charcoal rot ranged from 3.0 to 15.0% while Colletotrichum dematium, causal agent of anthracnose and pod blight, was in the ranged of 2.0 to 10.0%. The association of Fusarium oxysporum, causal agent of seed root, seedling decay was from 10.0 to 14.0%. The seed rot causing fungi Aspergillus niger (3.0 to 12.0%) Aspergillus flavus (4.0 to 11.0%) were noticed. The purple stain of soybean seed, caused by Cercospora kikuchii was in the ranged of (4.0 to 15.0%) and Soybean mosaic virus infected ranged from (1.0 to 4.0%).