Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Ravina R Mevada, Dr. RG Parmar, Darshan M Parmar and Dr. DB Sisodiya

Abstract:
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a versatile oilseed plant that has an important position in agriculture due to its nutritional value and economic importance. Its seeds are valuable for their rich oil content and many uses in food and industry. Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is one of the threatening pathogens affecting sesame seeds. The study looked on M. phaseolina one-year survival in sesame seeds. It was found that infected seeds exhibited reduced germination rates and greater pathogen infection rates over time under a range of storage circumstances, it was revealed. Room temperature storage resulted in lower germination (14-49%) and higher infection (49-77%), whereas deep freeze storage resulted in moderate germination (43-67%) and lower infection (33-49%). Under both conditions, the microsclerotia remained viable for 12 months. As a result of pathogen presence, comparative biochemical analysis of infected and healthy seeds revealed reduced moisture, total oil content, and free fatty acids, as well as higher phenol level. Seed-born nature M. phaseolina thrived in sesame seeds for up to 12 months, reducing seed moisture, oil and free fatty acid concentration.