Mycoflora associated with seeds of different sunflower cultivars and its management

The present study was carried out to isolate fungi associated with seeds of seven cultivars of sunflower by using agar and blotter paper methods. A total of 13 phytopathogenic fungal species including Alternaria alternata and A. helianthi, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger, Curvularia lunata, Drechslera tetramera, Fusarium solani and F. moniliforme, Macrophomina phaseolina, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium and Rhizopus spp. were identified. The isolated fungi were found to reduce seed germination by 10-20% and seedling mortality by 10-12%. Two systemic fungicides viz., Topsin and Bayleton were found to be significantly effective in the elimination of seed-borne fungi. Among the plant material, best antifungal activity was achieved by extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Allium sativum (garlic) at the concentration of 0.015%.