• Archana Yadav
• B.P.S. Chauhan

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an economically important leguminous crop cultivated for its edible seeds and gum production. However, fungal contamination of cluster bean seeds poses a significant threat to seed quality and crop yield. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and potential pathogenicity of fungi isolated from cluster bean seeds and assess their implications for agriculture. Seeds were collected from multiple locations and subjected to fungal isolation and identification. Pathogenicity testing was conducted to evaluate the impact of fungal isolates on seed germination and seedling health. Environmental factors influencing fungal prevalence and pathogenicity were also investigated. Our results revealed a diverse fungal community associated with cluster bean seeds, with Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium spp. being the predominant species. Pathogenicity testing demonstrated varying degrees of pathogenicity among fungal isolates, with A. niger significantly affecting seed germination rates and F. oxysporum causing severe disease symptoms in seedlings. Furthermore, environmental conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, were found to influence fungal prevalence and pathogenicity, highlighting the importance of local environmental factors in shaping fungal communities. These findings underscore the potential risks posed by fungal contamination of cluster bean seeds to seed quality and crop health. Integrated disease management strategies incorporating cultural, biological, and chemical control methods may be necessary to mitigate these risks and ensure sustainable cluster bean production.

Cluster bean, Fungal contamination, Seedborne fungi, Prevalence, Pathogenicity, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium spp.

"Prevalence and Potential Pathogenicity of Fungi Isolated from Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) Seeds", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.c630-c636, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406280.pdf

"Prevalence and Potential Pathogenicity of Fungi Isolated from Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) Seeds", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. ppc630-c636, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406280.pdf