Identification of seed-borne mycoflora associated with peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) in Pothwar, Pakistan

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) occupies the second largest area among the oilseed crops after mustard and rapeseed in Pakistan. It is the main legume crop and primarily grown as oilseed crop. Due to the presence of high percentage of fatty acids in its oil, its nutritional properties are considered as favorable for human and animals. In the present study, seed-borne fungi were recovered from different varieties of peanut with their incidence percentage. Data revealed that all the varieties were affected by the fungal species however, 68 % of Aspergillus niger on agar plate method and 64 % on standard blotter paper while Rhizopus nigricans had the least percent incidence of upto 22 % and 6% on agar plate method and standard blotter paper respectively. It is concluded from the present study that due to potato dextrose agar content, agar plate method found to be suitable for germination seed borne fungi are known to affect adversely seed germination and fatty acid composition due to the production of toxic metabolites in the peanut seeds.