Boh. Effect on Broad Bean Seed Quality and the Infection Level of Seed-Borne Fungal Pathogens.

Broad bean weevil ( Boh.) is considered an economically important insect pest of the broad bean crop. Its damage starts when larvae burrow into the seed and feed on endosperm or kill the embryo, thus the seed cannot germinate. The microbiological quality and consumer safety of broad bean may be compromised by holes. This study was performed during 2018-2020 to estimate the effect of seed damage by on seed quality, germination rate and seedling growth, and on the incidence of seed-borne fungal pathogens. Broad bean seeds were collected and classified as damaged by or non-damaged. There was a relationship between broad bean weevil damage and an increase in fungal contamination. Results showed that germination decreased from 97.2% for non-damaged seeds to 81.4% for the seeds with damage. Seven fungal genera were identified: spp., spp., spp., spp., spp., spp. and spp. The most common fungal genus was spp. Our research shows that negatively affects the germination of its host's seeds and decreases the development of seedlings.