Phytotoxic effect of seed mycoflora associated with the genotypes of finger millet (Eleusine coracana)

Seed-borne mycofiora, especially fungi are considered to be the most serious biotic constraint that affects grain yield, quality and market value. Many of the seed-associated fungi are known to produce toxic metabolites which ultimately result in deterioration during storage. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the phytotoxic effect of seed mycofiora on four genotypes of finger millet. Four fungi namely Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium sp. and Alternaria alternata were found to be dominant on seeds of finger millet genotypes. The present studies revealed that the germination percentage was hampered in almost all the genotypes and the germination failure up to 63.33 per cent has been observed with different seed mycofiora. Among the four genotypes tested, VL 149 and local were significantly affected by most of the culture filtrates of fungi. Out of four isolates tested, Alternaria alternata was highly destructive, causing 63.33 per cent inhibition in seed germination and 56.11 per cent inhibition in seedling vigor index (SVI) of genotype VL 149. Similarly, a great reduction in root and shoot elongation was recorded in all the genotypes tested with cultural filtrates of fungi.