EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MOISTURE AND STORAGE TEMPERATURE ON SEED BORNE MYCOFLORA OF MAIZE

Maize seeds with 8, 12,16 and 20% moisture content stored at 4,25, 35 and 40 degrees C for 6 months showed heavy (98-100%) fungal infection at 20% moisture after 30 days of storage at all temperatures of 4, 25, 16 and 35 degrees C. Infection of Aspergillus species was highest in seeds with 20% moisture level stored at 25 and 40 degrees C, however lower number of fungi were observed on seed at 8% moisture level stored at 4 and 25 degrees C. Other fungi included Absidia hesseltini, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp., in seeds at 8, 12, 16 and 20% moisture levels stored at 25 and 35 degrees C rather than 40 degrees C. Germination of seeds was significantly decreased with the increase in storage time due to fungal infection.