SCREENING OF SOME PLANTS AGAINST SEED- BORNE FUNGI OF PULSES

Green gram, Black gram, Pigeon pea and chickpea are common pulses in diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. Numerous fungi affect pulses adversely causing reduction in seed content and seed health. Total seventeen seed-borne fungi recorded from all four test pulses. Out of these seventeen seed-borne fungi, six were found to be common and dominant on all four test pulses. These seed-borne fungi cause adverse effect on yield and nutritive value of the pulses. In order to protect pulses from the pathological and economical damage many fungicides are used. Fungicides are harmful to the plant, environment and nutritive value of the pulses. Therefore, biological means like plant powders are tried during the study to curb the infestation of seed-borne fungi. Eighteen plants and three fungi that are more common and dominant on the four pulses are considered for present study. All plant powders were found to be effective to control seed-borne fungi.