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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON STANDARDIZATION OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF LION’S MANE MUSHROOM (Hericium erinaceus) IN CHHATTISGARH(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Singh, Veer; Shukla, C.S.; Thakur, M.P.; Khokhar, D.; Saxena, R.R.The present study entitled “Studies on standardization of production technology of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) in Chhattisgarh” was carried out in the Mushroom Research Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Raipur, (Chhattisgarh). In the present investigation, 8 media were evaluated among them potato dextrose agar and potato dextrose broth were most suitable for growth and biomass of both studied strain (HE-05 and HE-08). Maximum mycelia growth and biomass were observed at 24°C but minimum mycelial growth and biomass was recorded at 16°C and 32°C respectively. pH 6.0 gave more mycelia growth and biomass of both studied strains and no myceial growth was observed at pH 4.0. Fructose substituted medium gave more growth but higher biomass was noticed in medium containing maltose and glucose as carbon sources in HE-05 and HE-08 strains respectively. Among the nitrogen sources, ammonium per sulphate was found good as nitrogen source to enhance mycelial growth but highest biomass was occurred in glycine incorporated medium. The plates were exposed at 492-577nm produced more mycelia growth and biomass of both strains of H. erinaceus. Among the evaluated different substrate, saw dust gave better yield a other substrate. Earliest spawn development of H. erinaceus was observed on finger millet grains but wheat grains raised spawn produced higher yield as compare to other grains based spawn. The growth of H. erinaceus was inhibited 100% by formaldehyde, carbendazim, formaldehyde + carbendazim as compare to control while lime inhibit 38.44% and 22.44% growth of HE-05 and HE-08 respectively. Steam sterilized wheat straw gave maximum growth and yield of H. erinaceus. Nine strains were evaluated among them HE-02 strain was found most superior for growth while HE-08 produced more biomass on potato dextrose broth. On wheat extract medium HE-08 strain gave more growth and biomass. Maximum septa, clamp connection, width of wall (µm) and minimum distance between septa (µm), clamp connection (µm) per microscopic field were noticed in HE-02 and HE-08 strains as compare to other strains. Nine strains of H. erinaceus were screened, among them HE-08 was found superior and showed quicker spawn development, spawn run on substrate and produced highest yield on both studied substrate (wheat straw and saw dust). Different strains of H. erinaceus had moisture (80.30 – 85.93%), ash (7.26- 10.45%), protein (22.25-28.68%), total sugar (53.57- 61.89%), fat (2.00-2.91%) and fiber (5.54-6.85%. Poly propylene bag method was found most superior to obtain maximum (38.26%) biological efficiency of H. erinaceus.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF SEED DRESSING FORMULATIONS OF POTENTIAL TRICHODERMA MUTANTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTING CHARACTERES OF CEREALS, PULSES AND VEGETABLES(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Sharma, Kishan Kumar; Kotasthane, A.S.; Dantre, R.K.; Banerjee, Subha; Saxena, R.R.Owing to its improve nutrient use efficiency, mycoparasitic and plant growth promoting ability, ability to produce diverse array of secondary metabolites, SAR against invading pathogen, Trichoderma spp. are one of the most preferred bio inocul-ant used in agriculture (Mukharjee et al., 2013, Lamdan et al., 2015, Salas Marina et al., 2015, Chagas et al., 2017). Trichoderma spp. interacts with plant through rhizosphre and rhizoplane colonization, and triggers morphologic changes in the roots (Contreras-Cornejo et al., 2009, 2015). Trichoderma-plant interaction modulates levels of the plant hormones or provide intermediate path for the synthesis of some plant hormones, beneficial for the plant (Guzman-Guzman et al., 2019) stimulating increased plant growth and vigor, and ultimately boosting crop yield (Salas Marina et al., 2015; Chagas et al., 2017). Successful commercially viable formulations based on protoplast fusant strain of T. afroharzianum and development of novel strains of Trichoderma using mutagenesis have been reported earlier (Mukharjee et al., 2019). Such report prompted us to evaluate the seed dressing formulation of four potential Trichoderma mutants for Plant growth and yield attributing characters of cereals, pulses and vegetables. Our present investigation indicate that seed bio-priming can be a preferred method of delivering the potential Trichoderma mutants to different crops and can be one of the successful strategy to scale up the microbial products at regional to global levels. Lowering dose of seed treatment followed by seed bio-priming proliferated Trichoderma on seed by many folds and stimulated significant plant growth in cereals, pulses and vegetables. Extensive field evaluation indicate that all the four Trichoderma mutants stimulated plant growth of chickpea and increased the yield by 20%. Potential Trichoderma mutants also stimulated increased antioxidant enzyme activity and total phenolic content (TPC) in chickpea and wheat.ThesisItem Open Access Exploring possibilities of Button mushroom cultivation in Chhattisgarh(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Patle, Bahgshali; Singh, H. K.; Lakpale, N.; Jha, Deepti; Khokhar, Dharmendra; Chandrakar, G.In the present investigation entitled “Exploring possibilities of button mushroom cultivation in Chhattisgarh” carried out at Mushroom research Laborotory, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, CG; a survey was carried out to document the existing production systems of button mushroom production across Chhattisgarh in the year 2019 and 2020. During the course of study it was found that there are seven fully automated button mushroom units with bunker facilities for short method of composting. There are four units in Koteshwar, Abhanpur, Limtara and Patan in Raipur and Durg districts which are producing approximately 1 tone of button mushroom each day. One unit in Siltara Phase II and one in Godhi, Durg is producing around 2.5 tonnes mushroom/day each. Another unit on Raipur Bilaspur Highway is producing around 20 tonnes mushroom/day. Long method of composting is practiced in Northern Hill region of Chhattisgarh. Similarly long method of composting and production in solar panel enabled units and rooms with AC facilities is also practised in Raipur and Bastar unit. The total button mushroom production per day in Chhattisgarh is estimated to be around 30 tonnes. Three button mushroom strains (CG-I, CG-II and CG-III) were evaluated during 2019, 2020 in October and February month respectively on long method prepared compost. During October 2019, the quickest spawn run was noticed in strain CG-I (20 days) and the spawn run during the February month of 2020 was significantly fastest (26 days) in CG-III. On an average of both years, days required for spawn run was less (23 days) in CG-I. The pinhead initiation did not differed significantly in different strain during the October month of 2019 and varied from 14.0-16.0 days. While, during the February month of 2018, the significantly less time (14 days) recorded in CG-II. The fresh yield of three strains of button mushroom differed significantly during October month of 2019 and during February month of 2020 it did not differed significantly. During the October month of 2019, the highest (566.67g) fresh yield was recorded in CG-II with 11.33% biological efficiency and during the February month of 2020, fresh yield varied from 389.25-525.43g with 7.42-9.62% biological efficiency. The pooled data of two year clearly indicated that strain CG-II gave maximum yield with highest biological efficiency. An experiment was carried out at 2 location of northern hill region of Chhattisgarh at Ambikapur and Mainpat, on long method prepared compost. The bed method was followed for cultivation of A. bisporus. No considerable difference noticed in pin haed initiation period, period taken for 1st harvest, sporophore weight, pileus diameter, stipe length, stipe diameter and yield of A. bisporus. The days required for pin head formation in between 18.00-22.00 days , days for 1st harvest 22.00-26.00 sporophore weight 58.00-60.00g, pileus diameter 6.90-7.20 cm, stipe diameter 4.98-5.30cm, stipe length 2.98-3.04cm and yield was 12.3 kg and 15.00kg/Quintal compost was obtained from Ambikapur and Mainpat locations respectively. At Raipur and Bilaspur locations, days required for pin head initiation, days for 1st harvest, sporophore weight, pileus diameter, stipe diameter, stipe length and yield in between 15-16 days, 19.20-19.68 days, 69.20-87.16g, 8.36-9.14cm, 2.95-5.19cm and 421.60-505.00g respectively were noted and biological efficiency was 9.47-10.61 % at both locations. The optimum thickness of cocopit to procure maximum yield of A. bisporus was also worked out. Considerably higher (58.00g) weight of sporophore was obtained at 1" and next was 2" (55.00g) whereas 4" (48.33g) and 5" ( 50.00g) gave least weight. The sporophore weight was considerably higher (58.00g) found at 1" and 2" (55.00g) while least (46.66g) weight of sporophore gave by 4" and 5" ( 51.66g) when vermicompost was used as casing material. Considerably higher (59.09g) sporophore weight was found in 1" and next was 2" (55.66g) while 4" thickness gave least (47.33g) weight of sporophore and 5" ( 51.66g) when vermicompost and cocopit in (1:1) ratio. In another experiment long method as well as short method prepared compost was evaluated for yield of button mushroom in solar panel enabled cold rooms and it was found that long and short method of prepared compost gave 8% and 11% respectively. Further in another experiment Spent mushroom substrate was explored for preparation of Trichoderma harzianum formulation and it was found that the shelf life of Trichoderma in the SMS formulation was more than six months with significant spore count.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF OYSTER MUSHROOM (Pleurotus spp.) IN BOTTLES(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Kujur, Aradhana; Shukla, C. S.; Singh, H. K.; Khokhar, Dharmendra; Chandrakar, G.; Jha, DeeptiThe present study entitled “Studies on production technology of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) in bottles” was carried out in the Department of Plant Pathology, Collage of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur. Yield performance of different Pleurotus spp. significantly influenced in bottle and bag method during October–November, December–January, and February-March 2020. Highest yield was obtained from P. florida in bottle (338.99g) and bag (340.32g) method with BE 96.85 and 97.23% during October - November 2019 compare to other evaluated Pleurotus spp. During December –January month H. ulmarius gave significantly maximum yield in bottle (341.65g) and bag (337.66g) with BE 97.61% and 96.47%, and February -March month P. ostreatus gave higher 321.99g yield in bottle method with 91.99% BE, however H. ulmarius gave 298.32g yield with 85.23% in bag method compare to other Pleurotus species. On average of 3 cropping period i.e. October –November, December-January and February-March 2020 of different Pleurotus species, H. ulmarius gave maximum yield 324.54g with 92.72% BE in bag method closely followed by P. florida, PL-18-04, P. ostreatus and P. eous respectively. However in bottle method, H. ulmarius produced maximum yield 329.10g with BE 94.02% and next were P. ostreatus, P. florida and PL-18-04 while lowest 221.44g yield was obtained from P. eous with 63.26% BE. Physiological studies were carried out for radial growth of different Pleurotus Spp., to found out suitable media, light wave lenght and temperature. Among different media used, growth of different Pleurotus spp. (H. ulmarius, P. ostreatus, P. eous, P. florida, and PL-18-04) did not differ significant but malt extract agar medium was found best for radial growth of H. ulmarius, P. ostreatus and PL-18-04. However, WEA and PSA media were more suitable for growth of P. eous and P. florida compared to other tested media respectively. Average redial growth of 5 Pleurotus spp., highest radial growth was found on MEA closely followed by WEA, PSA and PDA media. Significantly higher radial growth was recorded at 28C for all studied Pleurotus spp., average highest radial growth of 5 Pleurotus spp. was found at 28C and next were 24C and 32 C, and it was observed that growth was affected either increase or decrease temperature from 280C. Among different light wave length, significantly maximum radial growth of H. ulmarius and P. eous was noticed at wave length 730-790nm (pink) however wave length 622-780 (red) was more suitable for growth of P. florida, PL-18-04 and wave length 480-570 (transparent) for P. ostreatus. On average radial growth of 5 Pleurotus spp., significantly highest radial growth was found 730-790nm (pink) which was closely followed by 480-570nm (transparent), 622-780nm (red), 577-597nm (yellow), 455-492nm (blue) and 492-577nm (green). A database of mushroom grower of different districts of Northern Hills region, Central Plains Region and Bastar Plateau Region of Chhattisgarh was prepared which help in marking of oyster mushroom. Information regarding mushroom growers, spawn producer, production system, and marketing was collectedThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON PREVALENT DISEASES OF OKRA [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POWDERY MILDEW(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Diwakar, Ruparani; Kaushal, AshulataOkra in India is a major vegetable crop grown under tropical and sub-tropical conditions. It belongs to family Malvaceae. The present work on “Studies on prevalent diseases of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] with special reference to powdery mildew” was carried out at the Horticultural Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Raipur, Chhattisgarh during kharif (2019-20). This study involved various objectives including study the occurrence of prevalent diseases of okra, assessment of yield loss of okra, to study the effect of environmental factors in the development and to identify sources of resistance against powdery mildew of okra. Powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, leaf curl and yellow vein mosaic were observed as major prevalent diseases of okra. After the first appearance there was a linear progression observed up to maturity in case of all the diseases observed. The initial disease severity of powdery mildew ranged from 1.11 to 3.31. Maximum disease severity at maturity ranged from 26.99 to 54.1. The disease severity of Cercospora leaf spot ranged from 0.16 to 1.30 at the initiation, at maturity it ranged from 7.09 to 11.22. Disease incidence of yellow vein mosaic disease ranged from 0.21 to 0.70 at initiation and at maturity it ranged from 1.66 to 5.49. Disease incidence of leaf curl ranged from 4.87 to 14.66 at maturity. In the assessment of yield loss, the results revealed that fungicidal spray application in protected plots significantly reduced the disease severity and increased yield. The untreated control plots exhibited reduced yield by 51.27% in compare to treated plots. The environmental factors affect the development of the powdery mildew disease. The T (max), T (min) and morning RH showed significant but negative correlation with the severity of the disease, evening RH exhibited non-significant negative correlation with the disease, wind speed showed positive but non-significant correlation, whereas age of the crop was found significant and positively correlated with disease severity in local susceptible check variety studied. Out of 37 genotypes evaluated none were found with completely immune or highly resistant disease reaction, as well as none of the genotype was found with highly susceptible disease reaction. Fourteen genotypes namely 2018/OKYVRES-1, 2018/OKYVRES-2, 2018/OKYVRES-4, 2018/OKYVRES-8, 2017/OKYVRES-1, 2017/OKYVRES-2, 2017/OKYVRES-5, 2017/OKYVRES-9, 2017/OKYVRES-10, 2017/OKHYVRES-2, 2017/OKHYVRES-3, 2017/OKHYVRES-6, 2017/OKHYVRES-9, 2017/OKHYVRES-10 were recorded with moderately resistant reaction and rest twenty three genotypes along with local susceptible check showed moderately susceptible or susceptible reaction against the disease. Apparent rate of infection was higher during 60-75 days after sowing. AUDPC was recorded highest in local susceptible check.ThesisItem Open Access Collection and identification of potential isolates of Beauveria bassiana and testing of their insecticidal properties on Helicoverpa armigera(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, 2020) Kanwar, Leela Singh; Singh, H.K.The present investigation on “Collection and identification of potential isolates of Beauveria bassiana and testing of their insecticidal properties on Helicoverpa armigera” was performed at the Bio-Control Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur. In a systematic survey carried out in the year 2019 seven isolates of Beauveria bassiana was collected from different locations in of IGKV Research Farm. Two isolates parasitizing Spodoptera litura infecting soyabean, one isolate parasitizing Spodoptera litura infecting groundnut, two isolates parasitizing Maruca vitrata infecting Greengram and Blackgram, one isolate each parasitizing Zygogramma bicolourata and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis on Parthenium and Rice respectively were isolated on SDA and PDA media. Whitish fluffy fungal mass of B. bassiana was observed. Microscopic observations revealed globose to ellipsoid single-layered conidia. Pathogenicity of the collected B. bassiana isolates were proved on third instar larvae of H. armigera and adult whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci with a mortality rate of 96.67 per cent on the eighth day post application. H. armigera highest mortality and feeding inhibition was recorded at various doses of conidia 1X107, 1X108, and 1X109 per ml. At each time interval, the lethal concentration of B. bassiana needed to kill the 50 per cent larvae of H. armigera was different. Small brown to black spots on the host body was observed which progressed with host death and outer proliferation of white mycelium covering the host's body with spore growth. PDA and malt extract media proved to be superior for growth of B. bassiana. Appropriate temperature for mycelia growth on SDA media was 25-300C. Bv-05 isolate was found to be aggressive strain with fastest mycelial growth across varying temperatures. The mass production of B. bassiana isolates was attempted on different liquid broths to prepare and standardize a liquid formulation viz. potato broth, neem extract, karanj extract and wheat broth. Mycelial mat of B. bassiana was observed on all the tested liquid broths, however maximum mycelial fresh and dry weight was recorded on PDA broth. Trichoderma harzianum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus, Hericium erinaceus isolates having anti fungal antagonistic activity as well as plant growth promoting potential, were evaluated for their compatibility against collected B. bassiana isolates by dual culture technique. Among all the tested beneficial microbes Pleurotus ostreatus showed compatibility with B. bassiana. The mass multiplication of B. bassiana on Neem and Karanj extracts as well as its compatibility with P. ostreatus opens avenues for development of novel formulations.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on whitefly transmitted “Enation leaf curl virus disease of okra(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, 2020) Singh, NIsha; Khare, C.P.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON VARIABILITY, YIELD AND NUTRITIONAL PARAMETERS OF PADDY STRAW MUSHROOM, Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex Fr.) Sing(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), 2020) Singh, Akhilesh; Singh, H. K.; Lakpale, N.; Khokhar, Dharmendra; Chandrakar, G.The present study titled “Studies on variability, yield and nutritional parameters of paddy straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex Fr.) Sing” was undertaken to explore the diversity, distribution, production methods, production systems, yield evaluation and nutrient content of V. volvacea native isolates from Chhattisgarh. A total of twenty isolates were collected in a survey conducted across Chhattisgarh from seven districts viz. Balodabazar, Ambikapur, Raipur, Bilaspur, Dhamtari, and Mungeli and all the pertinent passport data regarding habit, habitat, temperature, relative humidity, location (GPS) data and associated substrates on native places; were recorded delligently. Volvariella isolates collected were characterized macroscopically and found possessing pink spores, free lamellae, and a stipe bearing no annulus but was encased at the base by a volva. Spore print colors were observed as pink and moderate brown, gill colour varied from light pink to brown for all isolates. Fifteen different isolates of Volvariella were evaluated for radial mycelia growth (mm) on PDA. Maximum mycelial growth was observed in IGKV/VV-08 Dhamtari isolate (50.67mm) followed by IGKV/VV-09 Balodabazar isolate (48.23mm) at 6 days post inoculation. Further IGKV/VV-08 Dhamtari isolate was undertaken for studies on physiological and cultural characterization. Among the five different media used to evaluate different media for radial mycelia growth of IGKV/ VV-08 Dhamtari isolate, maximum mycelial growth was observed on MEA media (67.67 mm) followed by YDA media (67.00mm) at 6 days revealing a ash coloured thin mycelia strands with aerial hyphae. The optimum temperature range for mycelium growth (73.00mm) of IGKV/VV-08 Dhamtari isolate was found to be 34°C followed by at 30°C with 69.67 mm of mycelia growth after 6 days of observation. The wavelength corresponding to red light was found best for mycelial growth (75.00 mm) on PDA media after 6 days of observation followed by wavelength corresponding to white light (72.00 mm). The collected isolates were evaluated for yield and yield attributiting characters at Raipur and Pathiyapalli. At Raipur, highest B.E. was recorded in IGKV/VV-08 and IGKV/VV-17 isolate (B.E. 21%) collected from Dhamtari and Balrampur respectively followed by IGKV/VV-12 isolate (B.E. 19.50%). The other promising strains identified were, IGKV/VV-16 (B.E. 18.30%), IGKV/VV-11 (B.E. 17.50%), IGKV/VV-07 (B.E. 16.41%) and IGKV/VV-09 (B.E. 15.33%) isolates collected from Amethi, Kachna, Dhamtari and Balodabazar respectively. Spawn run was completed in 7-10 days in all the isolates. Pinhead initiation started 12-18 days post spawning in almost all the collected isolates. At Pathiyapali, Basna, Saraipalli district highest B.E. was recorded in VV-08 (B.E. 20%) collected from Dhamtari followed by VV-16 and VV-17 isolate (B.E. 18 %), collected from Amethi and Balrampur respectively. Least B.E. was recorded in VV-15 isolate (B.E. 9%) collected from Aarang. The other promising strains identified were, VV-12 (B.E. 17.50%), VV-11 (B.E. 15.50%) and VV-09 (B.E. 15.00%) isolates collected from Kachna, and Balodabazar respectively. Spawn run was completed in 6-10 days in all the isolates. Pinhead initiation started 11-19 days post spawning in almost all the collected isolates. In experiments on yield evaluation in different production methods the highest yield and biological efficiency of 530gm (B.E. % 10.6) was recorded in the traditional bed method. It was significantly higher than the yield obtained from other methods. Further yield in spiral method was 478.33 gm (B.E. % 9.5), Zigzag bed 440 gm (B.E. % 8.8) and basket /bucket method 420 gm (B.E. % 8.4). The lowest yield and biological efficiency of 303.33 gm (B.E. % 6.0) was recorded in the heap method. The nutritional parameters of four most promising strains were evaluated. The protein content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 42.31 percent, 51.69 per cent, 50.42 per cent and 30.41 per cent respectively. The fat content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, VV-17 and VV-18 was found to be 5.67 percent, 4.76 per cent, 4.10 per cent and 5.00 per cent respectively. The ash content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 6.75 percent, 5.23 per cent, 5.90 per cent and 5.43 per cent respectively. The moisture content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/ VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 91.00 percent, 86.00 per cent, 86.67 per cent and 90.00 per cent respectively. The Nitrogen content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/ VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 6.63 percent, 8.10 per cent, 7.90 per cent and 4.77 per cent respectively. The Phosphorus content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 15.11 percent, 16.37 per cent, 15.43 per cent and 9.70 per cent respectively. The Potassium content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 42.67 percent, 32.00 per cent, 35.33 per cent and 38.00 per cent respectively. The Zinc content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 1.02 percent, 0.80 per cent, 1.60 per cent and 1.22 per cent respectively. The Iron content in IGKV/VV-07, IGKV/VV-08, IGKV/VV-17 and IGKV/VV-18 was found to be 0.38 percent, 0.31 per cent, 0.25 per cent and 0.37 per cent respectively.ThesisItem Open Access SEED HEALTH EVALUATION OF DIFFERNENT VARIETIES OF LENTIL (Lens culinaris M.)(Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, 2020) Sahu, Dulesh; Lakpale, N.Among the pulses, which are considered to be as a wonderful gift to both human kind and the earth, Lentil (Lens culinaris) is an important Rabi crop accounting up to 7% of the total pulse production in the country. Studies on seed health evaluation and seed-borne mycoflora of five lentil varieties (L-4076, K-75, JL-3, IPL-81, DPL-62) and a randomly selected local rural variety were done in present study. The seed lots of above mentioned lentil varieties have shown significant variations in the percentage amounts of healthy seeds, damaged/broken, discolored, small/under sized, wrinkled seeds, inert matters and other crop seeds during the dry seed examination. Washing out test was conducted in above mentioned lentil varieties, among which, the seed lot of the local rural variety had shown a maximum spore load of associated seed borne fungal flora. Several detection methods such as standard blotter paper, agar plate, rolled paper towel and deep freeze method were used for detection and identification of seed borne fungal flora. Ten different fungal species were detected in six varieties of lentil. The detected fungal species were Aspergillus niger Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Chaetomium globosum, Nigrospora sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer Fusarium sp. and Trichoderma viride. The seed sample of the local rural variety were recorded with higher percentage of mycoflora and reduced seed germination, whereas JL-3 variety accounts for the minimum percentage of fungal flora with higher seed germination. Seedling symptom test was carried out by using water agar test tube method. The normal intact seedlings and normal seedlings possessing secondary infection due to biopriming of seeds with Trichoderma viride and Penicillium sp., were found to intensify the plant growth promoting properties. Agar plate method was found most proficient method to all other incubation methods in detection of the seed borne mycoflora. The isolated seed-borne fungi were also examined for their efficacy on seedling vigour and seedling symptoms by using biopriming technique and the inoculated seeds were grown in pots under controlled conditions. Except for Trichoderma viride, the detected seed-borne mycoflora was found to reduce the seedling vigour index of all six lentil varieties. Aspergillus flavus was found to be pathogenic and can be able to transmit from seeds to seedlings. All the six varieties of lentil were recorded with enhanced plant growth treated with Trichoderma viride. The seed lots were analyzed for seedling vigour index by treating with different phyto-extracts (Neem, Tulasi, Eucalyptus etc.,), fungicides and bio-agent (Trichoderma viride). The treated seeds were observed to have enhanced seedling vigour index when compared to the untreated/control ones. The electrolyte leakage of six months old stored seed lots was observed by recording electrical conductivity (EC) and pH value of seed leachate. The presence of seed-borne fungal flora had shown rises in the EC values of the tested seeds, whereas the pH values were found to be inversely proportionate.
