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Mycoflora involved in seed germ discoloration of popcorn, and its effect on seed quality

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Abstract

Isolates from a dark brown discoloration found in the embryonic tissue of popcorn seed lots showed that 81% of the seeds were invaded with moulds. Aspergillus chevalieri was by far the most common fungus inhabiting the embryonic tissue, followed by A. ochraceus, A. repens, Penicillium frequentans and A. melleus.

Whereas all the symptom-free popcorn seeds germinated and developed into normal seedlings, no germination was recorded for the affected seeds. However, all the seeds, symptom-free as well as affected, retained their ‘popping’ ability.

A significant reduction in the radicle elongation was recorded for healthy popcorn seeds following treatment with A. chevalieri, A. ochraceus and A. repens filtrates. The inhibiting effect of A. chevalieri and A. ochraceus filtrates was still evident after autoclaving, suggesting the involvement of mycotoxins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Volcani Center, Division of Seed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel

    A. Halfon-Meiri

  2. The Volcani Center, Division of Fruit and Vegetable Storage, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel

    R. Barkai-Golan

Authors
  1. A. Halfon-Meiri
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  2. R. Barkai-Golan
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Additional information

Contribution from the ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel. No. 2649-E. 1989 Series

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Halfon-Meiri, A., Barkai-Golan, R. Mycoflora involved in seed germ discoloration of popcorn, and its effect on seed quality. Mycopathologia 110, 37–41 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442768

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442768

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