MUMBAI, India, Aug. 10 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202611074038 A) filed by Career Point University, Kota on June 15, 2026, for Seed Health Enhancement In Lentil Via Physical Suppression Of Fusarium Oxysporum.
Inventors include Vaidehee Hada; Radharani Pattnaik; and Prof. Dr. Anita Singh.
The application for the patent was published on July 31, 2026, under issue no. 31/2026.
Abstract: Seed-borne fungal pathogens are a major constraint to lentil production, causing poor germination, weak seedling establishment, and significant yield losses. Among these pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum, the causal organism of lentil wilt, persists in seeds as latent inoculum and serves as a primary source of infection under field conditions. The present investigation was undertaken to control seed-borne inoculum of F. oxysporum in lentils through eco-friendly physical methods, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat treatments, as alternatives to chemical fungicides. Healthy and infected seed lots were subjected to different physical treatments, including UV exposure for varying durations and thermal treatments such as hot water and dry heat at controlled temperature–time combinations. Treated and untreated seeds were evaluated for fungal incidence using standard blotter and agar plate techniques, along with assessments of germination percentage, seedling vigor index, and early disease development under laboratory and pot culture conditions. Results revealed a marked reduction in pathogen incidence in seeds treated with both UV radiation and heat compared to untreated controls. Optimized heat treatment effectively eliminated the pathogen while maintaining seed viability, whereas moderate UV exposure significantly reduced surface contamination without adversely affecting germination. Treated seeds exhibited improved germination, enhanced seedling growth, and lower wilt incidence. The study demonstrates that UV and heat treatments provide safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable approaches for managing seed-borne F. oxysporum and improving seed health in lentils. These physical methods can be integrated into seed health management programs for sustainable pulse production.
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