Diversity of seed borne Mycota associated with finger millet and their effects on seed germination and seedling vigour

The finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.) seeds are found to be heavily infested with variety of fungi. These associated fungi are known to deteriorate the seeds and seed contents. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of some dominant seed borne fungi of finger millet on seed germination and seedling vigour. Seven dominant fungi were found associated with finger millet seeds. Analysis of seed borne fungi by standard blotter paper method and agar plate method showed that species of Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvularia and Aspergillus are the dominant genera. Maximum reduction in seed germination and seedling vigour was caused by species of Aspergillus in seed inoculation and culture filtrate method. Thus, the associated fungal pathogens with finger millet seeds demonstrates that the seeds are a major source of transmissions of pathogens, which might have adverse effect at seedling and adult stage of plants.