Seed Health Testing and Evaluation of Testing Methods in Different Genotypes of Mustard

Fungal infections in mustard seeds (Brassica juncea), a significant oilseed crop, can significantly impact their quality while decreasing their yield. A research study was carried out to examine seed-borne mycoflora associated with mustard seeds and also to compare various methods used in detecting these harmful fungi. These included the Standard Blotter Method, Deep Freezing Blotter Method, 2,4-D Blotter Method, Water Agar Method and Potato Dextrose Agar Method. Six fungal species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp., Chaetomium spp., and Fusarium spp., were identified. The Standard Blotter Method proved to be the most suitable for detection of most fungi while the PDA Method was effective in separating Fusarium spp.