Seed transmissibility of Fusarium udum Butler. in pigeonpea

Seed borne pathogens pose challenge to disease management. Seeds of five selected pigeonpea varieties (ICP 2376, TTB 7, BRG 2, BRG 3 and BRG 4) were assayed for the presence of Fusarium udum on a Fusarium selective medium. Fusarium udum was detected in pigeonpea seeds and extend of internal seed infection varied from 3 per cent in BRG 3 to 26 per cent in BRG 4. Hilum recorded maximum infection (25 per cent) of F. udum followed by seed coat (16 per cent) in pigeonpea seed. Seed transmissibility studies revealed that F. udum was seed transmitted from pigeonpea seeds to seedlings and extend of seed transmission ranged from 2.75 per cent in BRG 3 to 16.5 per cent in BRG 4. Seed treatment with Carbendazim and Carbendazim + Mancozeb were found to be effective in reducing seed borne infection of F. udum at 2 and 2.5 g/Kg seed respectively.