Fungal Pathogens and Seed Storage in the Dry State

Abstract

Seeds can harbor a wide range of microorganisms, especially fungi, which can cause different sanitary problems. Seed quality and seed longevity may be drastically reduced by fungi that invade seeds before or after harvest. Seed movement can be a pathway for the spread of diseases into new areas. Some seed-associated fungi can also produce mycotoxins that may cause serious negative effects on humans, animals and the seeds themselves. Seed storage is the most efficient and widely used method for conserving plant genetic resources. The seed storage conditions used in gene banks, low temperature and low seed moisture content, increase seed longevity and are usually favorable for the survival of seed-borne mycoflora. Early detection and identification of seed fungi are essential activities to conserve high-quality seeds and to prevent pathogen dissemination. This article provides an overview of the characteristics and detection methods of seed-borne fungi, with a special focus on their potential effects on gene bank seed conservation. The review includes the following aspects: types of seed-borne fungi, paths of infection and transmission, seed health methods, fungi longevity, risk of pathogen dissemination, the effect of fungi on seed longevity and procedures to reduce the harmful effects of fungi in gene banks.

The presence of a significant endophytic fungus in mycobiome of rice seed compartments

“…The innermost compartment of the rice seed, milled rice, had a relatively high abundances of those plant-pathogenic fungi, suggesting the possibility of seedborne disease. Seeds may act as carriers of plant-pathogenic fungi that affect growth and productivity of growing plants when environmental conditions and other cultural characteristics are suitable [54,55]. Thus, pathogenic fungi found in the seeds are one of the potential threats to seed quality and crop productivity [56-57].…”

Genomic and morphological characterization of Knufia obscura isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility

“…Fungi have a number of mechanisms to cope with harsh environmental conditions. For example, their conidia and other specialized structures, such as chlamydospores, allow these fungi to enter a state of dormancy and survive long periods of desiccation 31 . In addition to their physical adaptations, black fungi have also evolved unique metabolic pathways that allow them to survive in extreme environments 20,32 .…”

Use of biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis H1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a disinfectant and plant growth stimulation

“…Plant seeds can contain a wide range of microorganisms, which can also be passive carriers of plant diseases. Fungal phytopathogens carried by seeds can significantly reduce seed germination and affect plant yields [19]. A detailed study of the functional potentials of biosurfactants showed that various biosurfactants have antimicrobial and fungicidal properties [20] [21][22][23][24].…”