Location and Transmission of <I> Macrophomina phaseolina</I> in Blackgram Seeds

Abstract

Experiments were undertaken on location detection in seed components and seed to seedling transmission of Macrophomina phaseolina in blackgram seeds. Macrophomina phaseolina was detected only in the seed coat of blackgram while other seed components like cotyledon, radicle and plumule did not show the presence of this pathogen. In seed transmission study, according to blotter and test tube agar method, restricted germination and production of blemished radicle were found. Soil and sand methods showed remarkable pre-emergence mortality. In some cases, seeds produced seedlings with infected stem and cotyledon, which led to the death of whole plant in the form of damping-off and collar rot eventually. Few seeds were able to emerge giving rise to apparently healthy seedlings, but within about three weeks, they ultimately died producing numerous sclerotia and pycnidia on the dead plants.