EFFECT OF FUNGAL METABOLITES OF SOME RHIZOSPHERE SOIL FUNGI ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF SOME PULSES AND CEREALS

Rhizosphere fungi of pigeonpea (Cajanuscajan (L.)Millsp.) varieties were isolated and effect of culture filtrates of the dominant fungal species of rhizosphere fungi viz.Aspergillus flavus, A.niger and A.nidulans on seed germination and seedling growth of some cereals and pulses was investigated. The secondary metabolites of three species of Aspergillus were inhibited the seed germination and root-shoot length of all the selected cereals and pulses. The metabolites of A.niger found to be more effective than those of A.flavus and A.nidulans.