Abstract
Four varieties of paddy (Super Kernel, Super 515, Super Sindh and Kainaat) were collected from Punjab for the isolation of fungal flora. Eight species with four genera were observed of which, Penicillium sp., Link ex. Fr. was isolated and identified on Super Kernel, Super 515 and Kainaat varieties. Cladosporium sp., Link ex Gray was observed on Super 515 while Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. on Super Sindh. 1 % Calcium hypochlorite reduced the amount of isolated saprophytic fungi. When paddy seeds treated with microwave radiations and stored at room temperature for 60 days showed reduced carbohydrate and protein contents during storage as compared to control. In case of fungal flora, most fungal species were recorded from Super Kernel while on Kainaat minimum numbers of fungi among all varieties. Surface sterilization with 1% Calcium hypochlorite reduced the incidence of fungal infestation. The fungal species isolated from paddy were Aspergillus flavus Link ex Gray., A. niger Van Tieghem, A. ochraceus Wilhelm, A. wentii Wehmer, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid., Penicillium sp. Link ex. Fr. and Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenb. Fr.) Vuill.
