Effect of bio-agents on seed and rhizosphere microfloraof rice

Ten varieties of rice seed were evaluated for microflora, and the effect of bio-agents (Trichoderma viride, T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. koningii, T. lignorum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were tested. Six pathogenic fungi were associated. Curvularia sp., Fusarium moniliformae and Trichoconis padwickii occurred with highest frequency. The bio-agents significantly increased percent germination. P. fluorescens and T. koningii positively increased shoot length, while A. niger and T. lignorum negatively influenced the same. Percent vigour index of seedling growth was highest in P. fluorescens followed by T. viride and T. harzianum. The pathogenic organisms detected on the seed, were not detected from the rhizosphere soil, indicating that the bio-agents were effective in suppressing them.