Diversity of fungi isolated from vegetable seeds

Aim: Seed fungi can cause reduction in seed viability, decreased germination capability, physiological changes, and pre- and post-germination death. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diversity of seed fungi from different vegetable seeds and also to identify the fungal isolates based on their macromorphology and micromorphology characteristics. Methodology and results: Seven vegetable seeds, namely bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), brinjal (Solanum melongena), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were assayed to evaluate the incidence of seed fungi using surface sterilization and blotter paper methods. Twenty-five fungal isolates were recovered from agar plate method and seven isolates from blotter paper method. Five genera and five mycelia sterilia were identified. Aspergillus comprised the highest percentage (50%) of the fungal isolates recovered, followed by Penicillium (25%), mycelia sterilia (15.6%), and 3.1% each for Curvularia, Scopulariopsis and Trichoderma. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: In the present study, the seed samples were postharvest seed and thus, the seeds had a greater chance of being infected by the storage fungi once the storage conditions are not well regulated. The results showed that the fungal isolates recovered were internal seed fungi which might have infected the seeds during storage period.