Review on Seed Health Tests and Detection Methods of Seedborne Diseases

Seed is a small embryonic plant which is an efficient means of introducing plant pathogens into a new area as well as providing a means of their survival from one cropping season to another. Seed health is a well recognized factor in the modern agricultural science for desired plant population and good harvest. Seed-borne fungi are one of the most important biotic constrains in seed production worldwide. Seed health testing to detect seed-borne pathogens is an important step in the management of crop diseases. Seed health is a measure of freedom of seeds from pathogens. ISTA, ISHI and NSHS are three primary organizations that publish standardized seed health test methods. Specificity, sensitivity, speed, simplicity, cost effectiveness and reliability are main requirements for selection of seed health tests methods. PCR has many beneficial characteristics that make it highly applicable for detecting seedborne pathogens. Since seed serve as means of dispersal and survival of plant pathogens, it is critical to test its health before using it as planting material. Seed health testing and detection is a first line approach in managing seedborn diseases of plants. Keywords: Embryonic plant, Modern agricultural, PCR, Plant pathogens, Plant population, Seedborne fungi