14 May Seed borne diseases of Wheat
गेहूँ के बीज जनित रोग Wheat is the second most important cereal crop in India after Rice. Being one of the most important staple crop, it fulfils major nutrition requirement of the human population since times immemorial. Seed borne diseases of wheat viz., Karnal bunt (Tilletia inidica), loose smut (Ustilago nuda tritici), head scab (Fusarium spp) and tundu or ear cockle (Clavibacter tritici and Anguina tritici) are major constraints affecting both quality and quantity of the wheat grain production leading to low market prices. Besides affecting quality, several diseases may have toxic effect on human beings and animals due to the toxins produced by pathogens. Infected wheat seeds can be carried to long distances through various means leading to spread of diseases across different areas. The early detection of seed borne diseases is essential in managing these diseases. These pathogens are being identified through various conventional, culture based and molecular methods. The conventional methods includes direct inspection of dry seeds, incubation tests, washing test, soaking test, blotter tests, embryo count test and filter and centrifuge extraction technique. The Sodium hydroxide seed soak method was used for detection of Karnal bunt and many PCR-based methods are being used nowadays for detection of Tilletia spp and Fusarium spp. Pathogen free seed production is an important step in...