Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Devanushi Dutta, Pranab Dutta and Prakash Borah

Abstract:
Seeds can be considered as the most efficient means for pathogen dispersal. Seeds can harbor a wide range of pathogens especially fungi, that can drastically reduce the germinability of seed. Pathogens can move along with the seed from one place to another. Thereby spreading the disease to newer areas. Seed-borne pathogens can also act as human or animal pathogens by producing mycotoxins. Seed storage is the most widely accepted method for preserving genetic resources. Temperature, humidity, and moisture present in the seed influence the build-up of inoculum potential of fungi during storage. The farming community is less aware of seed-pathogen relations. The farmers of Majuli-the world’s biggest river island and Charaideo- the pyramid of Assam maintained the traditional cultivars for a long back. To investigate the seed health status of the stored seed of paddy by the farmers, the present investigation is carried out to collect the stored seed and evaluate the diversity of mycoflora responsible for seed deterioration by standard blotter and agar test method. Seed germination and moisture content of the seed in storage was also evaluated. Seed discoloration was found to be major problem in those traditional varieties associated with seed mycoflora viz., Fusarium spp., Drechslera oryzae, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp. etc.