Impact of Fungicide Seed Treatment on Seed Borne Mycoflora and Quality of Soybean Nikita V. Khomane1, Dr.R. W. Ingle2

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important oilseed crop, and the use of healthy seed is essential for obtaining optimum plant stand and higher productivity. Seed borne fungi adversely affect seed germination, seedling vigour, and crop establishment, resulting in significant yield losses. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to detect and identify the Seed borne mycoflora associated with soybean and to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicidal seed treatments in improving seed health and quality. Five soybean varieties, viz., JS-335, JS-9305, JS-9560, Phule Sangam, and MAUS-162, were assessed for seed discoloration using the Standard Evaluation System (SES) and categorized into six grades based on the extent of seed infection. Seed-associated fungi were detected using the standard blotter paper and agar plate methods. The efficacy of eight fungicides against Seed borne mycoflora was evaluated, and their effects on seed germination and seedling vigour index were assessed using standard seed health testing procedures. A total of seven fungal species, namely Fusarium solani, Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Alternaria alternata, and Cercospora kikuchii, were detected from the soybean seed samples. Among the fungicidal treatments, Propiconazole 25% EC @ 0.1% recorded the highest reduction in seed mycoflora over the untreated control, whereas Copper oxychloride 50% WP @ 0.25% exhibited the lowest reduction. Carbendazim 75% WP @ 0.1% produced the highest seedling vigour index, followed by Dithane M-45 63% WP + Carbendazim 12% WP and Copper oxychloride 54% WP + Carbendazim 18% WP. Overall, fungicidal seed treatment effectively reduced Seed borne fungal infection and improved seed germination and seedling vigour in soybean. The findings indicate that appropriate fungicidal seed treatment is an effective strategy for managing Seed borne mycoflora and enhancing seed quality in soybean.