Incidence of Mycoflora in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Seeds in Rajasthan

Author: Sonali Meena, S. Godika, R.P. Ghasolia, Nisha Nitharwal, Pinki Meena and V.K. Kardam

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Abstract

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] is globally used as oilseed, vegetable and condiments. Mustard seeds are known to carry several pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi which alter physiochemical properties of the seeds, losses of the seed weight, germination potential, and discoloration. Alternaria spp. is the most destructive pathogen of oilseeds in major growing areas. The aim of this study is to draw a systematic and comprehensive picture of important seed borne fungi of mustard which affect the production and productivity of mustard in major growing areas of Rajasthan. During present investigation, 100 seed samples were collected from ten major mustard growing districts of Rajasthan. Ten samples of each district were thoroughly mixed and one composite seed sample was established from every district and associated seed mycoflora and their incidence were quantified through blotter and agar plate methods. Results of dry seed analysis showed shriveled, discolored and dam

Keywords

Indian mustard, Brassica juncea, seed mycoflora.

Conclusion

The maximum incidence (35.77 %) of seed mycoflora was recorded in un-surface sterilized seed sample of Alwar district and lowest in Bikaner and Jaipur sample (5.00%). A total of sixteen saprophytic as well as parasitic mycoflora (Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria alternata, A. brassicicola, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceous, Curvularia lunata, Drechslera tetramera, Rhizopus nigricans, Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Chaetomium sp., Metarrhizium sp. and Fusarium oxysporum) belonging to nine genera were detected through Blotter and Agar Plate Methods. The fungal species recorded in PDA test were common to those observed in Blotter Test but per cent incidence of fungi varied in Blotter Test and Potato Dextrose Agar Plate Method (PDA). In conclusion, huge loads of mycoflora adversely affect seed germination and plant health which ultimately results in poor stand of crop and yield.

References

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How to cite this article

Sonali Meena, S. Godika, R.P. Ghasolia, Nisha Nitharwal, Pinki Meena and V.K. Kardam (2022). Incidence of Mycoflora in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Seeds in Rajasthan. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(1): 529-534.