In Vitro Association of Seed Borne Fungi with Pea (Pisum sativum) in Central India

Pea is a most important legume in several developing and developed countries including India. In the present investigation, keeping in view these facts, Seed samples were collected from four districts of Madhya Pradesh viz. Katni, Mandla, Narsinghpur and Jabalpur for evaluation of associated fungi on pea seeds. These samples were studied for detection of seed mycoflora by Standard Blotter Paper Method recommended by ISTA. A total of six genera were identified and recorded from seeds of pea. During the surveyed years, the highest incidence of seed/seedling disease (53.0 and 32.4%) was recorded in Jabalpur, followed by Fusarium wilt (42.5 and 44.5%), powdery mildew (62.8 and 64.4%) and downy mildew (22.2 and 16.4%). The result of the present studies provides the baseline information about seed mycoflora for further studies and management of seed borne diseases associated with pea seeds.