A great number of pathogens can be transported by seeds; they had capacity to affect physiological quality or to cause diseases in many stages of the culture, reducing yield. One of these pathogens is the causal agent of Alternaria leaf spot. There aren't many researches about seed transmission of distinct Alternaria species and its effects on common bean physiological quality. The present study was carried out with the aim to verify Alternaria species transmission by common bean seeds and the effects on germination and plant emergence in the greenhouse. About 100% of inoculated common bean seeds became infected with isolates of A. alternata. Other isolates of Alternaria from distinct species promoted seed infection varying from zero (3 - A. cichorii) to 75% (7 - A. carthami). The majority of these isolates was transmitted to seedlings; isolates 1 (Alternaria cichorii) and 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11 (A. carthami) were transmitted in greater percentage. There was no effect on the plant emergence caused by these isolates, and no positive correlation between incidence and infected seedlings was observed. Some isolates of A. carthami reduced seed germination.
germination; emergence; Alternaria leaf spot; inoculation