Review on: Impact of Seed-Borne Pathogens on Seed Quality

Abstract

Healthy seed plays an important role for the successful cultivation of all types of crops. Crop response to other inputs largely depends on quality seed. It is estimated that good quality seed alone can contribute about 18 to 20% increasing crop yield keepingall the other inputs constant. However, there are many factors that affect seed quality especially health quality of seed such as all biotic and abiotic factors. Among various factors that affect seed health are the seed borne pathogens that not only subordinate seed germination, but also reduce seed vigor resulting in low yield and yield components of all crops. Seed borne pathogens not merely the cause for reduction of germination capability of crop seeds but also responsible for variation of plant morphology in the field and reducing yield up to 15 to 90%. Therefore, it is important to maintain the seed health by using different scientific seed health examination and treatments.