Comparative efficacy of different incubation methods in detecting seed associated mycoflora of different varieties of lentil

Abstract

A healthy or quality seed is a base of a healthy or good plant. Healthy seed refers to the presence or absence of various factors, among which the very important is seed associated fungi. Seed borne fungi cause reduction in healthy seed germination, vigour and viability. Lentil varieties were also found to be associated with several seed mycoflora. In the present study, comparative efficacy of four different incubation methods viz. standard blotter test, agar plate, paper roll towel and deep freeze method in detecting seed associated mycoflora in six varieties of lentil were examined and agar plate method was found best method for routine seed health evaluation.