Evaluation of Seed-borne Mycoflora of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by the Effect of Storage Length on Fungal Invasion under Different Storage Technique.

The incidence of seed-borne mycoflora in sahbhagi rice was screened by Agar plate method and Blotter method. Seed stored in different conditions like Bin and Gunny bag then observation was taken periodically 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 months in each storage condition. Surface sterilization was done by 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) solution. Both surface sterilized and unsterilized seeds were taken for isolation of fungi. A total number of 16 fungal species including Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor hiemalis, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. candidus, A. fumigates, Penicillium rubrum, P. citrinum, Alternaria alternata, Drecshlera gramini, Curvularia lunata, Trichoderma harzianum, Microdochium lycopodinum, Fusarium oxysporum, Dark Sterile Mycelium and White Sterile Mycelium were found to be associated with the Sahabhagirice cultivar. Among them the most predominant seed-borne fungi, associated with seed were A. niger (56.67% & 63.33%), A. flavus (53.33% & 56.67%), P. citrinum (50% & 53.33%) and M. lycopodinum (50% & 53.33%) by Agar plate method and A. niger (50% & 56.67%), A. flavus (46.67% & 53.33%), P. citrinum (46.67% & 50%) and M. lycopodinum (46.67% & 50%) by Blotter method in Bin and Gunny Bag storage condition, respectively at the end of storage. Visual examination of seed showed that the maximum increase in the number of abnormal seed was recorded in gunny bag than Bin. Highest percent incidence of seed borne fungi was recorded in Gunny bag storage condition than Bin. In both storage procedures control seed yielded more number of seed-borne fungi as compared to sterilized seed during different storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]