Abstract
The present study investigates the influence of culture filtrates of various pathogenic fungi on the seed germination of selected leguminous and oilseed crops. Seeds of cowpea, chickpea, green gram, green pea, and groundnut were treated with culture filtrates of ten fungal pathogens, including Rhizoctonia solani, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum falcatum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotium rolfsii, and others. The percent germination varied significantly, with some fungi such as Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus showing strong inhibitory effects, while others like Rhizoctonia solani exhibited relatively lesser impact. These findings highlight the potential phytotoxicity of fungal metabolites and their implications in crop seedling vigor and plant health.
Keywords: Seed germination, fungal culture filtrate, phytotoxicity, legumes, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum
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