Incidence, detection and frequency of seed mycoflora associated with Triticum aestivum varieties using blotter and agar plate methods

Abstract

Seed-borne fungi significantly influence seed quality, germination, and productivity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The present investigation (2023-2024) evaluated the incidence, detection efficiency, and frequency of seed mycoflora associated with fifteen wheat varieties using standard blotter and agar plate methods. Seed samples were categorized based on discolouration intensity and subjected to laboratory detection procedures. Five major fungal genera Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus, and Trichoderma spp. were identified. The agar plate method recorded higher fungal incidence (20-96%) compared to the blotter method (16-44%). Fusarium spp. was the most dominant pathogen across varieties. A negative correlation was observed between seed discolouration intensity and germination percentage. The findings emphasize the importance of routine seed health testing and confirm the higher sensitivity of the agar plate method.