Isolation and pathogenicity of different seed borne mycoflora associated with seeds of sesamum

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on seed borne mycoflora of sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.)” was undertaken with a view to detect and isolation of seed borne mycoflora and their pathogenicity. Six externally seed borne fungi detected viz., Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus on sesamum seeds. Internally seed borne fungi were detected viz., Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Alternaria alternata. All the isolated pathogens were found to be pathogenic to sesamum seeds resulting into reduction in seed germination and seedling vigour index. The seed borne mycoflora viz., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Alternaria alternata were found more damaging.