Efficacy of seed hydropriming with phytoextracts on plant growth promotion and antifungal activity in maize

Abstract

Seed-borne fungi such as Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus are capable of causing several diseases to maize (Zea mays L.) and produce mycotoxins, which can have adverse effects on animal health and productivity. In the present study, efficacy of 100 extracts of 20 different plant species were tested for their antimicrobial potential against toxigenic Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus. Among these, extracts of Toddalia asiatica, Decalepis hamiltonii, Vitex negundo and Psoralea corylifolia reduced A. flavus and F. verticillioides incidence significantly. Hydropriming with T. asiatica plant extract increased seed germination and seedling vigour significantly; however, D. hamiltonii and V. negundo did not show any improvements in seed quality parameters tested. In turn, P. corylifolia treated seeds showed potent antimicrobial potential but reduced seed germination and seedling vigour. The present study revealed that hydropriming of maize seeds with some plant extracts can be a potent alternative strategy to control seed-borne toxigenic fungi and to increase the seed quality parameters in maize.