Effect of black point on seed quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Black point caused mainly by Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium spp. is now becoming a serious concern in reducing quality and economic value of wheat. Eleven promising varieties namely DBW 17, HD 2967, K 7903, NW 1012, NW1014, NW 1067, NW 2036, NW 4018, NW 5054, PBW 154 and PBW 550 of wheat were therefore undertaken to study the effect of black point on various seed quality parameters viz., seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, vigour index and 1000 seed weight. The black point complex disease adversely affected the seed quality parameters invariably to wheat varieties. The vigour index was appeared as most responsive seed quality parameter to black point complex disease and followed to seedling length, root length, shoot length, germination and test weight in wheat. The seed growers are thus advised to follow proper seed treatment to mitigate the problems of such seed borne diseases during the quality seed production in wheat.