Effect of Tilletia indica Infection on Viability, Germination, and Vigor of Wheat Seed. Elizabeth J. Warham, CIMMYT, Apdo. Postal 6-641, Mexico 06600 D.F.. . Plant Dis. 74:130-132. Accepted for publication 4 July 1989. Copyright 1990 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-74-0130.

The effect of Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica) infection on viability, germination, and vigor of wheat seed was determined using the topographical tetrazolium viability test, the rolled paper towel germination test, and the accelerated aging vigor test. Infection had very little effect on seed viability, irrespective of the age of the seed, while germination of infected seed appeared to depend upon the wheat cultivar and age of the seed. In contrast, there was a significant reduction in vigor of infected seed. Infected seeds would therefore appear to have a lower survival rate in storage compared to healthy seeds of the same seed lot.