Detection of seedborne fungi associated with Nicotianatabacum seeds

摘要

Seed is the most important input for crop production. Pathogen free healthy seed is urgently needed for desired plant population and good harvest. Use of pure seeds are cheapest input depends on the returns of the farmer obtains from other costly inputs from land and labour (Subhashini & Padmaja, 201 la). The smallness of the seed and the large quantity of seed produced by a single plant pose special problems in maintaining the purity of a variety. In tobacco, quality is more important than quantityand particularly so in an exportable type like FCV tobacco which has to withstand international competition (Subhashini, 2013). For successful raising of nurseries, proper location, good preparation and manuring, adequate facilities for watering and timely controlling of pests and diseases are essential (Subhashini, 2012b). Information pertaining to fungi associated with the seeds of tobacco has not been reported earlier, therefore, it was thought worthwhile to study the seed borne fungi of tobacco grown under Indian conditions.