Biochemical Changes In Deteriorated Seeds Due To Storage Fungi And Their Recovery By Invigoration.

Abstract

Seed Deterioration During Storage Remains A Critical Factor Affecting Seed Quality And This Deterioration Is Significantly Accelerated By The Activity Of Storage Fungi. The Present Investigation Was Carried Out To Understand The Biochemical Alterations Occurring In Seeds Deteriorated By Storage Fungi And To Assess The Possibility Of Recovery Through Seed Invigoration Approaches. Deteriorated Samples Of Wheat, Paddy And Chickpea Were Collected From Traditional Storage Structures In The Gaya Region Of Bihar Where Moisture Control Is Inadequate. Laboratory Analysis Revealed The Predominance Of Aspergillus Flavus Followed By Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium Citrinum And Fusarium Species. Biochemical Evaluation Indicated A Marked Reduction In Total Soluble Proteins, Soluble Sugars, Dehydrogenase Activity And Alpha Amylase Activity In Infected Seeds When Compared To Healthy Seeds. At The Same Time A Substantial Increase Was Observed In Malondialdehyde Content, Electrolyte Leakage And Free Amino Acids Which Reflects Oxidative Stress And Loss Of Membrane Integrity. The Fungal Load Was Found To Be Positively Associated With Lipid Peroxidation And Membrane Damage. To Recover The Deteriorated Seeds Different Invigoration Treatments Such As Hydropriming For Twelve Hours, Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate At Two Percent, Zinc Sulphate At Zero Point Five Percent And Seed Coating With Trichoderma Viride Were Applied. Among All Treatments The Combination Of Hydropriming With Trichoderma Viride Showed Maximum Recovery In Terms Of Improved Germination, Restored Enzyme Activity And Reduced Membrane Damage Followed By Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Treatment. The Findings Indicate That Storage Fungi Induce Biochemical Deterioration Through Reserve Depletion And Oxidative Damage And That Simple And Low Cost Invigoration Methods Can Partially Reverse This Deterioration.

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