Mycoflora associated with Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds and its impact on seed germination in Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Seed of Phaseolus vulgaris L. collected from various localities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were evaluated for seed associated Mycoflora by Standard blotter paper method and Agar plate method. The seed samples were observed contaminated with fungi corresponding to eight genera including Alternaria Nees, Aspergillus Micheli, Curvularia Boedijn, Drechslera S. Ito, Fusarium Link, Mucor Fresen, Penicillium Link and Rhizopus Ehrenb. The highest infection percentage was recorded from Trarkhal, Bagh and Chikar samples, i.e. 24.75A, 18.25B and 13.25C respectively. Least infection percentage was observed on Lawaat 3.00H and Kail 11.8E samples. Impact of fungal presence on seed germination was elucidated by Standard rolled paper towel method. Lawaat and Kail samples showed lesser impact and better germination 93.66% and 92.33% respectively. Incidence of fungi was recorded high and low germination in Trarkhal and Palangi samples 43.33% and 22% respectively. Three treatments namely, heat, Allium sativum extract and Benomyl (fungicide) were used for Mycoflora management. These treatments were assessed through Standard rolled paper towel method. Use of different antifungal treatments found effective in increasing mean germination percentage 6-8% and health of seedlings. Efficacy of management was evaluated by using CRD2 Factorial test. The interaction between treatments and localities was significantly different at the level of 0.05. Benomyl was more effective in increasing seed germination with 76.00A mean. Locality of Lawaat showed the highest germination percentage with different treatments having 96.00A mean value. Best interaction was observed between treatment 3 and locality 2, i.e. 97.33 while least interaction was calculated between treatment 2 and locality 6 i.e., 22.33. All seed samples of P. vulgaris collected from different sites were found contaminated with seed associated Mycoflora. These fungi reduced the germination percentage and use of different antifungal treatments efficiently increased the germination percentage and reduced the fungal growth. Benomyl was found more effective seed treatment before sowing.