Seed Treatment Research Articles

Promising fungicides for protecting spring rape against seed infection and root rots in the North-West of the Russian Federation

The results of studying the effectiveness of new fungicides designed to protect spring rape from seed infection and root rot by treatment of the seed material in natural-climatic conditions of the North-West of the Russian Federation are presented. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the area sown to spring rape in the region. At the same time, a trend towards deterioration of the crop’s phytosanitary condition has been observed. With the accumulation of the infection, fungicide seed treatment will be increasingly required. Based on the results of the research, it has been determined that the new preparations Tirada, SC (application rate 2.0 and 3.0 l/t), Vitaros, WSC (3.0; 4.0 and 6.0 l/t) and Sinkler, SC (1.3 and 1.6 l/t) are more effective in reducing the seed infection (Alternaria spp. – 86.6–94.9; 93.2–96.6; 91.7–100%, respectively; mold fungi – 86.7–93.4; 90.9–96.6; 73.5–78.6%) and root rot development (four true leaves formation phase – 37.7–56.7; 27.2–52.3; 31.7–72.7%; stemming phase – 13.4–41.2; 17.9–29.0; 17.9–50.4%) than Scarlet, ME and Redut, SC fungicides used in the region. Treatment of the rape seeds with fungicides contributed to the growth of the crop yield, which depending on the preparation and its consumption rate was 3.0–50.0% higher than in the control. The indices of the biological and economic efficiency obtained according to the results of the experiments testify to the significant prospects of using new fungicides in the protection of spring rape from seed and soil infection by treatment of the sowing material in the conditions of the north-western part of Russia.

In vitro evaluation of fungicides and bio-control agents against sunflower collar rot (Sclerotium rolfsii)

The efficacy of different fungicides against Sclerotium rolfsii was tested using poison food technique under in vitro conditions and through seed treatment in screen house. Efficacy of fungicides in vitro against S. rolfsii showed that carboxin, vitavax power and hexaconazole completely inhibited mycelial growth up to 100 per cent at 100 ppm concentration. Thiram inhibited 95.8 per cent and propiconazole inhibited 98.1 per cent at 1000 ppm. Captan inhibited 80.6 per cent at 1000 ppm while, carbendazim only inhibited 18.5 per cent at 1000 ppm. Pencycuron have failed to show antifungal activity against S. rolfsii even at 1000 ppm. Evaluation of bio-agents against S. rolfsii in vitro revealed that Trichoderma harzianum showed maximum antifungal activity with 70.1 per cent inhibition of mycelial growth followed by T. viride (63.1%) and Bacillus spp. (53.7%). Seed treatment with fungicides and soil treatment with bio-agents significantly reduced the disease incidence of collar rot. Maximum collar rot control wasfound by carboxin (73.9%) followed by vitavax power (69.9%) and thiram (69.4%) by seed treatment under screen house conditions. For the bio-agents, T. harzianum showed maximum control of the disease (40.8%) followed by Bacillus spp. (36.9%) and T. viride (34.6%) in comparison to control.

Effect of Different Seed Treatment and Media on Shoot Growth of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha, is one of the most important Under the present study the seeds were soaked with treatment (S1) GA3 (250 ppm - 24 h.) recorded maximum germination percentage (66.11 %) and maximum plant height at 15 (3.00), 30 (8.38), 45 (15.98), 60 (25.20), 75 (34.05), 90 (42.98), 105 (52.07) and 120 (59.02) days, respectively. Maximum no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.22), 45 (0.71), 60 (1.73), 75 (1.76), 90 (2.80), 105 (3.0) and 120 (3.84) and no. of leaves/plant were also recorded higher in S1 at 15 (3.42), 30 (7.67), 45 (20.42), 60 (33.11), 75 (41.62), 90 (55.98), 105 (67.24) and 120 (75.87) DAS respectively. In the Similar treatment, no. of leaves were also found superior over other treatments with maximum total leaf area (33.57 cm2), shoot fresh weight (55.06 g), shoot dry biomass (38.34 g), plant fresh weight (60.10 g) and plant dry weight (18.77 g) as compared to other treatments applied.
 The treatment (M3) media combination of Red soil + Vermicompost + FYM (1:1:1) gave significantly highest results in context to seed germination percentage (71.94 %), total leaf area (32.08 cm2), shoot fresh weight (58.70 g), shoot dry biomass (40.91 g), plant fresh weight (64.05 g) and plant dry weight (19.82 g), respectively. In same treatment, highest plant height at 15 (3.29), 30 (9.78), 45 (18.14), 60 (26.85), 75 (35.54), 90 (44.13), 105 (55.03) and 120 (60.17), no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.27), 45 (0.68), 60 (1.89), 75 (1.97), 90 (2.87), 105 (2.90), 120 (3.83) and no. of leaves/plant at 15 (3.72), 30 (8.46), 45 (22.46), 60 (35.23), 75 (43.91), 90 (55.87), 105 (67.47) and 120 (75.92) respectively were recorded.
 Interaction effect between pre-sowing treatment and different media was observed significant in seed germination percentage and maximum (80 %) in the treatment S1M3.

Efficacy Comparison of Three Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Sources for Soybean Seed Treatment: Plasma Characteristics, Seed Properties, Germination

Plasma seed treatment has proven to be a useful technique for improving germination, growth dynamics, as well as plant resistance. In this paper, we studied the efficacy of soybean seeds treatment using various sources of cold atmospheric pressure plasma generated in air. We compared three types of plasma treatments: direct treatment with plasma generated by a diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD), direct treatment with plasma generated by a multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge, and indirect treatment using the gaseous products of plasma generated by an air plasma jet. The composition of plasma generated by each of the sources was analysed using optical emission spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Parameters of the plasma treatments have been optimized to improve soybean germination. Plasma-treated seeds were examined by the means of water contact angle, surface free energy and imbibition measurements, attenuated total reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. Surface analysis by ATR-FTIR and XPS showed changes in the chemical bonds on the surface of the plasma-treated seeds, which led to an increase in wettability and imbibition. SEM analysis confirmed that the plasma treatment is non-invasive and does not cause changes in seed surface morphology. Among the studied sources, DCSBD proved to be the best suited for soybean seed treatment in terms of germination improvement as well as treatment time and energy efficiency.

Proline concentrations in seedlings of woody plants change with drought stress duration and are mediated by seed characteristics: a meta-analysis

Proline accumulation represents one of mechanisms used by plants to prevent the adverse consequences of water stress. The effects of increased proline levels in response to drought differ among species. Trees are exposed to the long-term effects of climate change. The reproductive success of species in a specific environment depends on the functional trait of tree seeds. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the proline concentrations in seedling leaf tissues of woody plant species and their relationships to drought duration, seed mass, seed category and coniferous/deciduous classification. Drought duration exhibited a nonlinear effect on proline accumulations. The drought effect on proline accumulations is greater for deciduous than for coniferous species and is higher for orthodox seed species than for recalcitrant. The seedlings of large-seeded species showed greater effect sizes than those of small-seeded species. Our results suggest that there is an optimum level at which proline accumulations under the influence of drought are the highest. A link between seed functional traits, as well as the coniferous/deciduous classification, and proline concentrations in tree seedlings during water stress were determined for the first time. Proline may help to identify high-quality seeds of trees used for reforestation.

Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments Influence Soil Nematode Taxonomic Composition and the Soil Microbial Cooccurrence Networks

Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used to control early-season and foliar-feeding pests. Some studies have revealed their nontarget impacts on pollinators and other invertebrates but few investigated their effects on soil microbiota. Given the crucial role of soil prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in agroecosystem regulation and their contribution to soil fertility, it is critical to understand their structure and changes in response to disturbances such as pesticide application. Among these communities, free-living nematodes have the potential to indicate the ecological changes in soil caused by environmental stress and have a key role in forming and modulating soil microbial composition and function by feeding on other soil microorganisms or interacting with them. Here, we used 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the effects of neonicotinoids on soil nematode communities in a 3-year soybean-corn crop rotation in Quebec, Canada. We also quantified the changes in nematode-bacteria cooccurrence networks in soil exposed to neonicotinoids. We found that neonicotinoid seed treatment significantly explained variation in nematode community composition and affected the relative abundance of some nematode families, such as a decrease in the omnivorous family Dorylaimidae in neonicotinoid-treated samples. Moreover, neonicotinoids altered the patterns of nematode-bacteria cooccurrence, including the structure and taxonomic composition of the networks. However, it is unclear whether neonicotinoids affected bacterial cooccurrence networks directly, or indirectly by affecting nematodes that feed on bacteria. Further research is needed to understand how neonicotinoids affect nematodes and the role of nematodes in microbial network variation in soil exposed to neonicotinoids.

Effect of Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB) on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) in Potassium Sufficient Soils of Semi-arid Tropic

An experiment was conducted on potassium sufficient sandy loam soil (Alfisols) to evaluate the impact of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) on the performance of rabi sweet corn. The study consisted of 10 treatments with different doses of potassium with and without KSB treatment [Seed treatment (ST) + Soil drenching (SD) at Knee height (KH) stage]. Result of this experiment indicated that sweet corn yield was gradually reduced with reduction of recommended dose of potassium (RDK) irrespective of KSB treatment. Amongst all treatments, application of 100% RDK in 2 equal splits at sowing and KH stage + KSB (ST + SD) (T10) resulted in highest growth, yield (19.7 t ha-1) and yield attributes. However, T10 was on par with the result of [100% RDK + KSB (ST) + KSB (SD) at KH stage], (50% RDK at basal + 50% RDK at KH stage), [100% RDK+ KSB (ST) +KSB (SD) at KH stage] and [75% RDK at basal + KSB (ST) +KSB (SD) at KH stage] treatments. Whereas, implication of 25% or 50% reduction of RDK was significantly inferior to 100% RDK. The study revealed that KSB could substitute 25% of RDK supplied to nutrient exhaustive crop like rabi sweet corn without compromising the economic yield in potassium rich alfisols of semi-arid tropic.

Effectiveness of the bacterial biofertilizer (Azotobacter), Gibberellic ac-id and kinetin solution in metabolic some the physiological processes of Psidium guajva L. seedlings

The experiment was carried out in the College of Agriculture - University of Karbala at the beginning of September of the year 2022 according to a randomized complete block design to study the effect of the bacterial biofertilizer Azotobacter and a solution of gibberellic acid (0, 150 and 300 mg. L-1), and kinetin (0, 25 and 50 mg. L-1) in changes of metabolic some physiological processes of Psidium guajava L. seedlings. The results showed that the single effect of the Azotobacter was superior in all studied characteristics, except for the relative moisture content compared to the control treatment, as for the gibberellic acid solution, the concentration (300 mg.L-1) was superior by giving it the highest significant increase in all studied traits except for the relative moisture content compared control treatment, while the treatment of seeds with chitin solution excelled, and the concentration (50 mg.L-1) recorded the highest significant difference in all studied traits except for the characteristic of the degree of stability of cell membranes.

Effect of Molybdenum on Leaf Chlorophyll and Biomass Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient for plant. It is plays an important key role in chlorophyll synthesis. The Experiment was conducted in Pot house at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur during Kharif season 2014.The soil of experimental site belongs to Kheri-series and taxonomically comes under the order Vertisols, sub order Sterts, great group Haplusterts, sub group TypicHaplusterts. In all total 14 number of treatment combinations were tried under factorial randomized block design replicated thrice. The result revealed that variations in observation were found with treatment of Rhizobium inoculation. Seed treatment of Mo @ 0.5 g ammonium molybdate kg-1 seed (StM1) responded better, followed by soil application of Mo @ 1.0 kg Mo ha-1 soil (SaM1) as main effects. With higher dose of Mo as seed treatment (StM2) exerted significantly negative effect. Whereas higher dose of soil application of Mo (SaM2) was merginally higher over no application of Mo which was seemed to be the buffer action of soil to nulify adverse effect of the micronutrient.

Dual mechanical impact of β-escin on model lipid membranes

Understanding the mechanical behavior of biological membranes is of paramount importance in cell biophysics and in developing new biomaterials for medicine. In this study, we delve into the mechanical impact of β-escin, commonly referred to as escin, a naturally occurring biosurfactant derived from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. To examine the modulable interaction between escin and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), which is an archetypical fluid phospholipid and an essential constituent of the cellular fluid membrane, we have used artificial models based on the liquid crystal structure, such as bilayer vesicles and Langmuir monolayers. We have focused on the energetic and kinetic aspects of escin insertion when transversally adsorbed or longitudinally integrated within these model membranes. By employing surface microscopies of epifluorescence and Brewster angle reflectivity, we have elucidated the structural phase behavior of hybrid escin–phospholipid membranes, which exhibit dual mechanical properties characterized by high rigidity and reduced fluidity. Notably, at low temperatures, we observe a soft, glassy rheological behavior reminiscent of liquid crystalline ordered phases, which turns into a fluid-like viscoelasticity resembling more disordered phases at physiological temperatures. The hybrid membranes behave in one way or another as both are driven by an adsorption potential well imposed by escin cohesivity. These intriguing findings are discussed from a physicochemical perspective, highlighting their potential for future pharmacological designs and biomedical applications that exploit the dual mechanical impact of escin on biological membranes.

Effect of Seed Treatment with Bioinoculants on Seed Yield and Quality Parameters in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment, was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the field experimental center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P). The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments including control which were replicated thrice. The treatments are as follows, T0- Control, T1 - Bacillus subtilis – 20 g/kg seeds, T2 – Rhizobium – 20 g/kg seeds, T3 – P.S.B – 20 g/kg seed, T4 - T. harzianum – 20 g/kg seed, T5 - T. viridae – 20 g/kg seed, T6 – B. subtilis + Rhizobium – (10 g + 10 g/kg seed), T7 - Rhizobium + P.S.B – (10 g + 10 g/kg seed), T8 - P.S.B + T. harzianum – (10 g + 10 g/kg seed), T9 – T. harzianum + T. viridae – (10 g + 10 g/kg seed), T10 - T. viridae + B. subtilis – (10 g + 10 g/kg seed), T11 - B. subtilis + Rhizobium + P.S.B – (10 g + 10 g+10 g/kg seed), T12 - P.S.B + T. harzianum + T, viridae – (10 g + 10 g+10 g/kg seed) respectively. The experiment results revealed that seeds treated with T7 – Rhizobium + P.S.B – 10 g + 10 g gave better than other treatments viz, days for 50% flowering (60.00), Days to 50% pod setting (75.00) and has matured earlier (99.00), Plant height (74.90 cm), number of pods per plant (52.33), number of seeds per pod (3.00), Seed yield per plot (522.80 g), Biological yield per plot (613.58), Seed index (32.24 gm). Were recorded significantly higher compared to other treatments.

Perspective of the use of algae in the treatment of plant seeds

Algae are a natural source of biologically active substances, effective, safe and relatively cheap, which stimulate the germination process of the seeds of different plants. The content of seed germination biostimulators varies depending on the taxonomic position of the algae, the condition of the crops and the specifics of their cultivation. Treating the seeds of different plants with algal biomass, or with extracts obtained from it, has the effect of both stimulating seed germination and improving the physiological state of plants, increasing their resistance to environmental factors, increasing the quantity and improving the quality of harvests. This article presents a synthesis of some scientific results obtained that highlight the fact that the biomass of some algae can be used as a source of biostimulators in the treatment of plant seeds.

Phylogenetic Analysis of the PR-4 Gene Family in Euphorbiaceae and Its Expression Profiles in Tung Tree (Vernicia fordii).

Pathogenesis-related protein-4 (PR-4) is generally believed to be involved in physiological processes. However, a comprehensive investigation of this protein in tung tree (Vernicia fordii) has yet to be conducted. In this study, we identified 30 PR-4 genes in the genomes of Euphorbiaceae species and investigated their domain organization, evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression profiles, and expression profiles in the tung tree. Sequence and structural analyses indicated that VF16136 and VF16135 in the tung tree could be classified as belonging to Class II and I, respectively. Phylogenetic and Ka/Ks analyses revealed that Hevea brasiliensis exhibited a significantly expanded number of PR-4 genes. Additionally, the analysis of promoter cis-elements suggested that two VfPR-4 genes may play a role in the response to hormones and biotic and abiotic stress of tung trees. Furthermore, the expression patterns of VfPR-4 genes and their responses to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in inflorescence buds of tung trees were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Notably, the expression of two VfPR-4 genes was found to be particularly high in leaves and early stages of tung seeds. These results suggest that VF16136 and VF16135 may have significant roles in the development of leaves and seeds in tung trees. Furthermore, these genes were found to be responsive to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in the development of inflorescence buds. This research provides valuable insights for future investigation into the functions of PR-4 genes in tung trees.

Estimation of scots pine cytogenetic parameters under the conditions of industrial air pollution in European boreal forests.

Cytogenetic studies of Pinus sylvestris seed progeny have been carried out for the first time in the Murmansk region of Russia. Seeds were collected in the territory of 6 district forestries: Zelenoborsky, Kovdorsky, Kandalakshsky, Zasheikovsky, Umbsky and Nickelsky, which were at different distances from large copper-nickel plants. Analysis revealed higher S, Cu, and Ni content in Pinus sylvestris tree seeds from the Zasheikovsky and Nickelsky district forestries. Seeds from the Zelenoborsky district forestry had a higher Cu content (13.6 ± 0.5 mg/kg) compared to other areas. It was found that the frequency of mitotic pathologies in all areas of the study exceeded the level of spontaneous mutation in 5%. The most frequent aberrant cells were registered in the root meristem of seedlings from the Zasheikovsky district forestry, and their proportion averaged 9.4 ± 1.3% of the total number of cells studied at the metaphase and ana-telophase of mitosis stages. In Pinus sylvestris seedlings, micronuclei were noted in the cells at the interphase stage, often varying on average from 0.2 ± 0.1% in plants from the Kandalakshsky district forestry to 0.9 ± 0.3% from the Zasheikovsky district forestry. The data obtained testify to the colossal impact of heavy metals on the living organism cell genetic apparatus. The negative effect from industries, as sources of air pollutants, extends over tens of kilometers. Therefore, regularly monitoring the cytogenetic parameters of bioindicators such as Pinus sylvestris is necessary.

The application of mineral fertilizers and bacterial preparations in the cultivation of oil flax on ordinary chernozem in the conditions of the Lower Don

Field experiments were carried out in 2020-2022. on chernozem soils in the Azov zone of the Rostov region. They cultivated a variety of oilseed flax Heavenly. The predecessor is winter wheat. The following types of mineral fertilizers were used in the experiment: ammonium nitrate (34.4 % N), ammophos (12-52), potassium chloride (K2O65). The use of mineral fertilizers was carried out in the autumn period for plowing the soil, in the spring for continuous cultivation and for sowing oil flax. Bacterial preparations are intended for the treatment of flax seeds in the pre-sowing period: Mizorin, Flavobacterin, Extrasol. Average for 2020-2022 the maximum increase from the use of agro-chemicals was achieved in the variant with the introduction of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers under continuous cultivation at a dose of N60P60. The increase in the yield of flax oilseeds was 0.74 t/ha, or 51.7 % compared to the control. A high effect was achieved from the treatment of seed material with the biological preparation Extrasol (200 ml per sowing rate of seeds). The increase in the yield of oilseeds reached 0.19 t/ha to the variant without the use of fertilizers. With the combined use of fertilizers and bacterial preparations, the best effect on the yield of flax was achieved from the treatment of seeds in the pre-sowing period with bacterial preparations Flavobacterin and Extrasol. The increase in comparison with the control variant was 0.51 t/ha, or 31.5 %. On average, over 2 years, the largest oil yield in the crop was obtained in the variant using N30P30. The increase in oil harvest was 371 kg/ha, or 63.4 %.

Effects of plasma treatment on germination and biochemical content of chicory (sonchus oleraceus l.)

An experiment was conducted to explore the changes of germination rate, protein and vitamin C content in the seeds and the chlorophyll content of the seedlings under different irradiation time and intensity. Experiments showed that plasma treatment of chicory seeds promoted the germination and biological content of bitter seeds in 100-300W, 5-15s, and the germination rate was relatively higher under 200W conditions, the content of vitamin C and protein in seeds was relatively higher under 300W conditions. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 445-450, 2023 (June) Special

Enrichment of Taboun Bread with Quinoa Seeds as a Functional Ingredient

The objective of this study was to develop Taboun bread supplemented with quinoa flour and to select the best pretreatment that could be used to reduce saponin content without negatively affecting the quality of bread. In this study, three types of composite flour containing wheat flour with different levels of substitution of wheat flour ranging from 0% to 25% were used to prepare composite flour. The effects of incorporating of the different concentrations of extruded Quinoa seed flour with wheat flour and the storage days on the bread quality during three days of storage at room temperature for three days were studied. The results showed that the incorporation of the pre-processed seeds with a 20 and 25% substitution level (without pretreatment) had the highest effect in decreasing the values of peak viscosity compared to other types of pretreatments. The texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, resilience, and chewiness) were significantly affected by the storage time, the level of acceptance of sensory characteristics, and the interaction between them. The study recommends that studies be carried out to further verify the role of physical treatments of quinoa seeds in improving the characteristics of the finished product of Taboun bread.

Effects of plasma treatment on germination and biochemical content of chicory (sonchus oleraceus l.)

An experiment was conducted to explore the changes of germination rate, protein and vitamin C content in the seeds and the chlorophyll content of the seedlings under different irradiation time and intensity. Experiments showed that plasma treatment of chicory seeds promoted the germination and biological content of bitter seeds in 100-300W, 5-15s, and the germination rate was relatively higher under 200W conditions, the content of vitamin C and protein in seeds was relatively higher under 300W conditions. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 445-450, 2023 (June) Special

The Role of Skill in Successful Germination of Melia Volkensii Seeds

Melia volkensii (Melia), locally known as Mukau in Kenya, is an important indigenous dryland forestry species. The species is propagated primarily through seeds, with germination percentage ranging from 40- 90%. Successful germination of seeds of forestry species requires skillful application of appropriate pre-sowing treatments. Studies that document and quantify the effect of skill/experience on the germination outcomes for tree seeds are rare. This study sought to fill this gap by documenting the results from a capacity building exercise on testing M. volkensii seeds. Seeds were collected from the KEFRI Kibwezi seed orchard, pretreated and sown by seven participants with different skill levels based on years of experience. The seeds were sown in glasshouse and nursery conditions. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in germination capacity, mean germination time, T 50, mean germination rate, mean daily germination (MDG) and peak value (PV) depending on the skill level of the participants. The results also varied between germination environment (p < 0.001) for all germination traits except MGD and T50. The highest germination outcomes were recorded for participants with the longest experience in testing of M. volkensii seed germination. These findings therefore signify the importance of skill/experience in germination of M. volkensiiseeds, an outcome that may have implications for other forestry seeds with special pre-sowing requirements.

Perlakuan Air Panas dan Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria untuk Menekan Cendawan Terbawa Benih pada Padi Varietas IPB-3S

Hot Water Treatment and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria to Suppress Seed-Borne Fungi on Rice Variety IPB-3S
 IPB-3S is a new rice variety which was developed to improve national rice production in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine seed-borne fungi associated with IPB-3S variety and to determine the potential of hot water and PGPR treatment to suppress the fungal infection. The study consisted of five experiments, i.e. seed health test by dry seed observation and by blotter test, pathogenicity test, seed treatment using hot water and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Seven genera of fungi were found in IPB-3S seeds, namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Rhizoctonia, Curvularia, Fusarium and Colletotrichum. All of these fungi are pathogenic based on pathogenicity test. Seed treatment using hot water at 54 ℃ and PGPR reduced fungal infections and increased germination of IPB-3S seeds.