BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM NATURALLY INFECTED CHILLI SEEDS USING MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL METHODS

This study focuses on identifying bacterial pathogens isolated from naturally infected chilli seeds using morphological and biochemical methods. A collection of infected chilli seeds was analyzed to identify the bacterial species responsible for their infection. Morphological methods, including colony characteristics, gram-staining and microscopic examination, were first employed to categorize the isolates based on their cellular structures and colony appearances. Subsequently, biochemical tests such as oxidase and catalase, sugar fermentation assays, and API tests were conducted to further characterize the bacteria and confirm their identities. The results indicated the presence of key bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas viridiflava, which were linked to observed symptoms in the seeds. The findings underscore the importance of precise bacterial identification in developing strategies for disease management and enhancing crop productivity Their identification from infected chilli seeds suggests a potential role in seed borne transmission of disease. This dual approach of using both morphological and biochemical methods proved to be an effective and reliable strategy for bacterial identification. The findings emphasize the critical importance of early and accurate pathogen detection in seeds, which is essential for implementing effective disease management strategies, improving seed health, and ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity in chilli cultivation.