Evaluation of different seed health testing methods for seed borne fungal diseases of sorghum

Abstract

Among the several diseases affecting sorghum, majority of them are known to be seed-borne. Seed health testingof different sorghum seed samples collected from different sources in Dharwad, revealed the pre-dominance of pathogenicfungi viz., Colletotrichum graminicola causing anthracnose, Exserohilum turcicum causing turcicum blight and Curvularialunata causing leaf spots on sorghum. Seed samples also revealed the presence of fungi like Aspergillus spp. which areknown to produce deadly afla-toxins which is gaining importance in the context of post GATT-WTO era. Colletotrichumgraminicola (11.98%) Exserohilum turcicum (11.53%) and Curvularia lunata (10.40%)were the most predominant fungiencountered. Seed samples collected from farmers source exhibited maximum infection of Colletotrichum graminicola andExserohilum turcicum. Among the different seed health testing methods tested, Deep freezing Blotter Method was foundto be most efficient for the quick and accurate diagnosis of Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichumgraminicola and for Exserohilum turcicum, 2, 4-D blotter method was found suitable