Seed-borne Pathogens Associated with Pumpkin and their in-vitro Management

Author: Sahoo U.R., Biswal G., Mishra M.K., Senapati A.K., Sahu G.S. and Sasmal A.

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Abstract

Pumpkin is known by its botanical name Cucurbita moschata and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. They are crucial in people’s daily lives as they contain important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pumpkins are vulnerable to the attack of various seed-borne pathogens. Seed-borne pathogens including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, etc. were confirmed through pathogenicity tests and cultural and morphological identification from pumpkin. All ten fungicides were tested against the pathogens listed. Maximum percent inhibition (100%) was achieved due to Chlorothalonil in the case of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. While in the case of Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger, maximum percent inhibition (100%) was achieved due to Carbendazim. All three bioagents were tested against the pathogens and found significantly effective over control. Maximum percent inhibition was achieved due to Trichoderma harzianum in the case of Aspergillus niger (64.52%) and Fusarium oxysporum (61.91%). While, in the case of Aspergillus flavus, maximum percent inhibition (53.74%) was achieved due to Pseudomonas fluorescens. All eleven botanicals were tested at 10% concentrations and found significantly effective over control. At 10% concentration, maximum percent inhibition was achieved due to Curcuma longa (Turmeric) in the case of Aspergillus niger (76.75%) and Fusarium oxysporum (46.51%). In the case of Aspergillus flavus, maximum percent inhibition (42.24%) was achieved due to Zingiber officinale (Ginger).

Keywords

Seed-borne, pathogenicity, fungicides, bioagents, botanicals

Conclusion

In the majority of agricultural crop development initiatives, a significant emphasis is placed on enhancing the quality of seeds. This involves increasing their potential for high yields, ensuring their purity, and viability, and promoting strong germination capabilities. The presence of microorganisms can severely impact many of these attributes. All three test fungi's highest mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in the fungicide Carbendazim 12%+ Mancozeb 63% (100%) and Chlorothalonil (100%). However, Trichoderma harzianum was recorded to be the most effective against Aspergillus niger (64.52%) and Fusarium oxysporum (61.91%) with the least linear mycelial growth and the highest percent of mycelial growth inhibition. Pseudomonas fluorescens was recorded to be the most effective, having the least linear mycelial growth with the highest percent of mycelial inhibition of Aspergillus flavus (53.74%). The highest average mycelial growth inhibition recorded with botanicals @10%, Curcuma longa showed 76.75% inhibition of Aspergillus niger. The highest average mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in Zingiber officinale at 10% concentration revealed 42.24% inhibition of Aspergillus flavus. The highest average mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in Curcuma longa at 10% concentration which exhibited 46.51% inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum.

References

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How to cite this article

Sahoo U.R., Biswal G., Mishra M.K., Senapati A.K., Sahu G.S. and Sasmal A. (2025). Seed-borne Pathogens Associated with Pumpkin and their in-vitro Management. Biological Forum, 17(2): 23-29.