Detection and in-vitro management of seed borne mycoflora associated with sunflower and Zinnia

The present study was conducted to detect seed borne mycoflora associated with seven cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and five cultivars of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) by using Agar and Blotter paper methods. A total 12 genera of fungi were detected including; Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium sp., Stemphylium helianthi, Penicillium sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor sp., Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium solani, Rhizocotonia solani and Rhizopus sp. The detected fungi depleted germination 10-30%, 10-20% and seedling mortality 10-17%, 10-12%. in sunflower and Zinnia respectively. A comparative study was designed to evaluate three fungicides to control seed mycoflora at the rate of of 1.5g/kg, 2.0g/kg, 2.5g/kg, 3.0g/kg, Maximum germination percentage was attained in case of seed dressing with Topsin M-70 followed by Bayton and Dithane M-45 at the rate of 3.0g/kg.