Biodegradation of mango kernel by Syncephalastrum racemosum and its biological control.
Neelima Garg, Om Prakash
Author Affiliation: Division of Post Harvest Management, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, Kakori 227 107, India.
BioControl 51 : 353-361
Abstract : Poor germination of mango seed due to fungal decay is a common problem in mango nurseries. The main causal fungus behind this problem is a black spore producing fungus, Syncephalastrum racemosum. This fungus exhibited high amylolytic activity and hence utilized the starch present in mango kernel for its own growth, thereby resulting in the death of emerging radical and plumule, which ultimately causes the death of emerging seedlings. A simple biocontrol device has been worked out by modifying the storage conditions of the mango seeds from aerobic to facultative. This change resulted in yeast growth on the pulp sticking to the mango seed, which in turn produced alcohol and prevented the growth of this fungus. The germination of such seeds has been found to be about 85-90%.