Studies on Seed Mycoflora of Nigella Sativa L during Pre Harvest, Post Harvest and Storage Conditions

Nigella sativa L is the herbaceous annual medicinal plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. In order to collect the succession of seed mycoflora during different stages, seeds of Nigella sativa were obtained at three stages of maturity, i. e. pre harvest, post harvest and the storage stage. Total 32 fungal species were isolated by using ISTA (agar plate, standard blotter paper method and deep freezing method) techniques. The result clearly show quantitative and qualitative differences in the mycoflora associated with three different stages. A significant changes in the mycoflora was recorded with the advancement of age. In general, number of fungal species associated was found to be more on storage seeds as compared to the pre and post harvest seeds.