As a farmer, understanding seed treatment is essential in boosting crop yield, profitability, and sustainability. Seed treatment is the process of applying chemical or biological agents to the seed to protect it from pests, diseases, and unfavorable environmental conditions. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information on seed treatment for gram (chickpea) cultivation.
Gram is one of the most important pulse crops, and India is one of the top producers of gram in the world. Though Gram is considered a hardy crop, it is still susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Hence, seed treatment for gram is crucial for healthy crop growth and high yield.
Seed treatment for gram can be done either by chemical or biological agents. The choice of seed treatment agent depends on the specific pest or disease problem that the crop may face in the given region.
Chemical Seed Treatment – Chemical seed treatment is one of the widely used methods for protecting gram seeds from pests and diseases. The common chemical seed treatment agents used for gram are as follows:
1. Thiram: This chemical agent is used to control seed-borne diseases like the dry root rot and damping off caused by various fungi.
2. Carbendazim: It is an effective fungicide and protects seeds from seed rot and dry root rot.
3. Imidacloprid: This insecticide is used to protect gram seeds from pests such as aphids, jassids, and whiteflies.
4. Fipronil: It is a broad-spectrum insecticide that provides protection against termites, termite larvae, and other pests.
Biological Seed Treatment – Biological seed treatment is a safer and eco-friendly method of protecting gram seeds from pests and diseases. The common biological agents used for seed treatment of gram are as follows:
1. Trichoderma viride: This biological agent protects gram seeds from soil-borne pathogens and improves root development.
2. Pseudomonas fluorescens: It is a beneficial bacterium that prevents seed rot and enhances seed germination.
3. Bacillus subtilis: This bacterium helps to control seed and soil-borne diseases like damping off and root rot.
In conclusion, seed treatment is a crucial operation for any farmer who wishes to have a bountiful harvest. Gram is one of the world’s most crucial pulse crops, and its cultivation requires careful attention to ensure that diseases, pests, and unfavorable environmental conditions do not compromise plant health and productivity. Farmers should, therefore, select the appropriate seed treatment agent depending on the specific pest or disease challenges in their locality and ensure they adhere to the recommended safe agricultural practices. By doing so, they will safeguard their crop against losses, ensuring high yield, and profitability.