Effect of Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Black Cumin

Abstract

The experiments were conducted to evaluate the biochemical composition and prevalence of fungi in healthy and infected seeds of three maize cultivars. In laboratory experiment, the germination and prevalence of fungi of three maize cultivars cv. Bornil, BARI Bhutta-5 and BARI Bhutta-6 were investigated by blotter method and six species of fungi representing five genera were identified. Prevalence of seed-borne fungal infections varied significantly depending on the varieties. The identified species were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp., Curvularia lunata, Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus stolonifer. Of all these fungi, Fusarium spp. and Curvularia lunata showed the highest and the lowest percent of infection, respectively. Seed germination also varied significantly depending on the varieties. Fungi along with other factors might be responsible for this low germination. Biochemical analysis showed slight changes in proximate value. Protein, fat and moisture content increased while ash content reduced in infected seeds compared to healthy seeds.