SEED BORNE FUNGI AND SEEDLING VIGOUR OF WHEAT SEEDS COLLECTED FROM SOUTH WESTERN REGION OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Twenty wheat seed samples collected from south western region of Bangladesh were tested for seed borne fungi, germination and seedling vigor, following different methods namely blotter method, rolled paper towel method and deep freezing blotter method. Water agar test tube seedling symptom test were also done. Seed borne fungi viz Bipolaris sorokiniana , Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria tenuis, Fusarium moniliforme, Penicillium spp., Curvularia lunata and Pyricularia grisea were isolated from three wheat varieties Shatabdi, Prodip and Sonalika. Incidence of seed borne fungi were recorded and compared to different seed health testing methods. Incidence of different seed yielding fungi ranged from 0.33 to 26.33% and 0.67 to 30.00% in blotter paper and deep freezing blotter method, respectively. Seed germination percent ranged from 2.73 to 66.40% and 60 to 81% for rolled paper towel method and seedling symptom test respectively. Percent normal seedling ranged from 480.0 to 1964 for Shotabdi, 1450 to 1844 for Prodip and 1130 to 1796 for Sonalika variety .