Fungal infection on winter wheat and spring barley seed in relation year conditions and crop characteristics

Abstract

A whole range of pathogens are seedborne (Fusarium and Dreschslera spp.), they reduce seed germinating power, damage young seedlings and plants (Loiveke, 2004; Olvang, 2004). The fungi of Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Alternaria genera are characterised by a high enzymatic activity, and in the conditions conducive to their development, impair grain and seed quality and contaminate with toxic secondary metabolites (Magan et al., 2003). Other species such as Cladosporium only alter grain and seed appearance but are of minor importance. Grain infection with pathogenic and saprophytic fungi depends on the environmental factors and cereal cultivation technologies (Lacey & Magan, 1991). While preparing cereal seed for organic or sustainable agriculture it is very important that seed is as much as possible free from pathogenic fungal infections. The objective of the present study was to identify pathogenic and saprophytic fungal infection level on winter wheat and spring barley grain intended for seed as affected by environmental conditions, varietal peculiarities, seed category, grain weight, and moisture content.