As a crop that plays a vital role in agriculture and in the Indian economy, urd or black gram is considered to be an important crop. It is known for its high protein content and is widely consumed and cultivated in regions such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. However, like all crops, urd is also susceptible to various diseases, pests, and soil-borne pathogens. To address these issues, seed treatment of urd is recommended.
Seed treatment refers to the process of treating the seeds before sowing them in the field. Seed treatment is considered to be an effective and affordable way to manage various pests and diseases. The treatment can be done through chemical or non-chemical methods. In the case of urd, several seed-borne diseases such as root rot, wilt, and blight can be effectively controlled through seed treatment.
Chemical Seed Treatment
One common method of seed treatment is chemical treatment. This method involves soaking the seeds in a solution of different chemicals or pesticides. The most commonly used pesticides for urd seed treatment include Carbendazim and Thiram. These pesticides have been found to be effective in managing various seed-borne pathogens that cause diseases such as root rot and wilt.
Non-Chemical Seed Treatment
Non-chemical seed treatment, on the other hand, involves the use of natural substances such as plant extracts and biocontrol agents. Plant extracts such as neem, garlic, and ginger are known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can protect the seeds from soil-borne pathogens. Similarly, biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma and Pseudomonas can also be used for seed treatment.
How to Perform Seed Treatment?
Before starting the seed treatment process, it is important to ensure that the seeds are free from any contaminants, debris, or damaged seeds. Also, the seeds should be properly dried before treating, to avoid any damage to the seed coat.
The process of seed treatment involves the following steps:
Step 1: Soaking: The seeds are soaked in a solution of pesticides or biocontrol agents for a specific period, usually 6-12 hours.
Step 2: Drying: After soaking, the seeds are drained and spread on a clean surface to dry.
Step 3: Sowing: Once the seeds are dried, they are ready to be sowed in the field.
Conclusion
Seed treatment is an essential practice that can help in protecting urd crops from various pests, diseases, and soil-borne pathogens. However, it is important to ensure that only recommended pesticides and biocontrol agents are used for seed treatment, and that proper safety measures are taken during the process. By following proper seed treatment practices, farmers can ensure healthy and high-yielding crops of urd.