Effect of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis on Seed Quality Parameters in Lentil

Abstract

The Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis (Fol) is recognized as a major seed and soil-borne disease of lentils worldwide. This disease not only affects yield but also cause deterioration of seed quality. The current study was carried out to determine the effect of Fol on seed quality parameters in lentils. Out of 120 samples collected from different agro-climatic regions of India, only 40 samples were used for seed quality parameter studies. The seed health testing method revealed the infection percentage of Fol-infected seed samples from 40 to 55%. We observed a significant reduction in the germination percentage (48.78%, Fol-102), seedling length (16.70%, Fol-125), and seedling vigour (882, Fol-135). In contrast, an increase in electrical conductivity (EC) (93.14 μS cm-1 g-1) was observed in Fol-119 infected seeds as compared to healthy seeds. Our results showed that the seed quality is highly compromised in Fol-infected seeds, compared to healthy seeds and needs to be addressed through the development of different management practices.