Effect of different moisture and storage temperature on seed borne mycoflora of maize

Maize seeds with 8,12,16 and 20% moisture content stored at 4,25,35 and 40oc for 6 months showed heavy (98- 100%) fungal infection at 20% moisture after 30 days of storage at all temperatures of 4,25,16 and 35°c. infection of aspergillus species was highest in seeds with 20% moisture level stored at 25 and 40oc,however lower number of fungi were observed on seed at 8% moisture level stored at 4 and 25oc. other fungi included absidia hesseltini,alternaria alternata,fusarium spp.,and penicillium spp.,in seeds at 8,12,16 and 20% moisture levels stored at 25 and 35°c rather than 40°c. germination of seeds was significantly decreased with the increase in storage time due to fungal infection.