Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)) physiological Seed Quality as Influenced by Seed Source and Identification of Associated Fungal Diseases

Background and Objective: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. (Moench)) is a major cereal grain produced in Ethiopia. Production of low-quality seed and low area coverage of improved varieties of sorghum seed are major problems for the low production and productivity of sorghum crops. This study was conducted to assess seed quality and diseases of sorghum from formal and informal seed sources and fungal seed-borne pathogens associated with sorghum in major growing areas of Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: Seed quality assessments were made using a multistage purposive sampling technique based on the production potential of districts and peasant associations. Fungal disease identification was done from the aforementioned samples by standard seed health testing method. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the laboratory data were analysed by the generalized linear model. Results: The research centers, farmer to farmer, farm-owned seed and regional agricultural bureau are seed sources of the region. The correlation analysis in the current study indicates seed sources have a strong and negative correlation with thousand seed weights and have no correlation with vigor index one. The speed of germination (r = 0.89, r = 0.99); standard germination (r = 0.77, r = 0.92); shoot dry weight (r = 0.95, r = 1); average shoot length (r = 1, r = 0.96) and average root length (r = 0.99, r = 0.93) associated at a given coefficient of correlation with vigor index 1 and vigor index 2, respectively. Seed-associated pathogens were identified at the spps., level during the seed health test. Conclusion: The physiological and sanitary quality of the seeds in the current study was influenced by the seed source, as well as certain pre and post-harvest seed management practices. In order to achieve high-quality sorghum seeds and minimize seed health problems, it is crucial to maintain conducive field conditions and implement proper post-harvest practices in sorghum seed preservation.