Diversity of seed borne fungi associated with treated buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculenum Moench) seeds under storage conditions

Abstract

Present paper deals with occurrence and diversity of fungi on treated seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculenum Moench) at storage conditions. Study consisted of 20 genotypes of buckwheat and three treatments. The seeds were treated with neem oil @ 5ml per kg (T1) and Carbendezim @2g per kg (T2). Un-treated seeds served as control (T0). Four fungal species, namely Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Rhizopus spp. and Pencilium spp. were found associated with the treated seeds of 20 genotypes. These were the most predominant fungi in terms of prevalence with increase in the storage period. The association of fungi varied with the treatments, genotypes and duration of storage periods. Among 20 genotypes, the association of fungi in buckwheat genotypes was noticed in seven genotypes. The total association of fungi was predominant in G2 genotype when remained un-treated (T0G2) and the rest 13 genotypes showed no traces of fungi. On the other hand, the total fungal association of Aspergillus spp. was highest and Penicillium spp. was lowest.