ABSTRACT
Seed transmission of pathogens and their establishment and development in the host is influenced by environmental conditions, with moisture and temperature being the most important factors. These factors also affect seed germination, spore germination, the infection process, and subsequent inoculum spread. Wind-blown rain is essential for the spread of seedborne inoculum and initiation of disease such as bacterial blight of soybean. Seedborne pathogens must survive various stages of seed development and storage for successful transmission. Seed transmission of pathogen can vary from country to country and region to region depending upon weather and storage conditions. Seedborne pathogens, in general, survive longer in temperate than tropical regions. Cultural practices apparently affect establishment of seedborne infection in the field, but available data are sparse and inadequate. Abnormal seeds may give rise to a higher level of seed transmission compared to normal seeds.
