Studies on seed-borne fungi, Aspergillus diversity, and their detection using beta-tubulin gene sequences in Foeniculum vulgare seeds in India

The presence of fungi in seeds has a negative impact on germination and quality, which eventually leads to fungal deterioration and economic losses. This research inquired into the variety of fungi that were isolated from Foeniculum vulgare seeds (70 samples) collected from different regions of India, namely Delhi, Pondicherry, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. In order to identify the fungal genera, protocols outlined by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) (1980) procedures were adopted, and mycological media like, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Twenty-five fungal species that belonging to 11 different genera were isolated. Aspergillus niger , A. flavus , Mucor sp., Mycelia sterilia , Penicillium sp. and Yeast, were the most common types of fungi that were encountered in the present study. This is the first report of five Aspergillus spp., being isolated and documented from F. vulgare . One of the most significant contaminants, A. flavus was frequently isolated, with a toxigenic potential. The other types of fungi that are being reported, include Fusarium oxysporum , F. verticillioides , Alternaria alternata , Curvularia sp., and Trichothecium sp. Macromorphological and Micromorphological analyses were carried out after incubation at 25 °C for 7 days. Based on the outcome of the present mycological study, F. vulgare seeds contain an array of fungal contaminants, which have a potential effect on the health and viability of the seeds. In addition, they pose a serious threat to consumers because of their ability to produce mycotoxins.