Seed treatment is an essential process to protect seeds and seedlings from pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Gram, also known as chickpea (Cicer arietinum), is a valuable legume crop that is widely consumed around the world. Seed treatment is crucial for ensuring a high yield of gram crops by preventing several problems that may arise due to unfavorable environmental conditions, insect-pests, and pathogens. Here are some crucial facts one should know about the seed treatment of gram.
Purpose of Seed Treatment
The primary purpose of seed treatment for gram is to prevent seed and seedling diseases. Chickpea seeds and seedlings are susceptible to attack from seed-borne pathogens like Fusarium spp., Ascochyta spp., and Botrytis cinerea, among others. Weaker plants can lead to poor yield and economic losses. Therefore, seed treatment is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and enhance plant vigor.
Types of Seed Treatment
Seed treatment options for gram include chemical treatment and biological treatment. Chemical treatment includes the use of fungicides, insecticides, and other chemicals to control pest and disease infestations. Biological seed treatment involves the use of beneficial microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa to control pest infestation and disease.
Benefits of Seed Treatment
Seed treatment is an effective way to ensure a high yield of chickpea crops. It protects the crop from common seed-borne diseases, improves plant growth, and builds plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors. The benefits of seed treatment are higher yields, better quality seeds, and improved plant growth.
Methods of Seed Treatment
The following are two critical methods of treating gram seeds:
• Dry Seed Treatment: In dry seed treatment, the seed is mixed with a chemical or biological compound to cover its surface. The seed is then dried in the sun or artificial heat, to enable the surface compound to adhere to the seed surface. This allows the seed to absorb the chemical that helps protect it from insects, fungi, and bacteria.
• Liquid Seed Treatment: In liquid seed treatment, the mixture of chemical or biological compounds is in the form of a liquid. The seed is soaked in the mixture, which covers its surface. It is then drained and allowed to dry in the sun or artificial heat which activates the chemicals or biological products to protect it.
Conclusion
Seed treatment is a crucial agronomic practice that helps to ensure a bumper harvest of chickpeas. Farmers and agricultural experts must recognize the importance of seed treatment and ensure that they take necessary measures to treat their seeds effectively. Seed treatments can protect chickpeas from diseases and pests, and boost the growth of the plant, leading to better yields and high-quality seeds.