Effect Of Fumigation Of Botanicals On Seed Mycoflora And Seedling Growth

Fungal deterioration of stored grains is a chronic problem in the Indian storage system. When fungi associate with grains, they often reduce both the quality and yield of grains (Violeta et al., 2003). Mycotoxins produced by these fungi are hazardous for human beings and animals. In the present study, maize grains are fumigated by dry powders of leaves of Azadirecta indica (neem), seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain/ ajowan) and Anethum graveolens (Synonyms, Peucedanum graveolens) (Shepa/dill seeds), peels of Citrus sinensis (lemon), C. medica (sweet lime) and C. reticulate (orange) and stored in cotton bags for 30 days. The results indicated that fumigation of botanicals controlled growth of seed borne fungi viz Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus fumigatus Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium solani and Penicillium sp. All the natural product fumigation treatments applied were also significantly effective in enhancing seed germination, seedling length and chlorophyll content. The findings emphasize on toxicity of fumigation of botanicals against fungi attacking stored grain and strengthen the possibility of using them as an alternative to chemicals for preserving stored grains.