Seed treatment is an important process in the cultivation of wheat, which involves treating wheat seeds with various chemicals to control plant disease, improve crop yields, and enhance plant growth. In this article, we will provide you with some essential information about seed treatment of wheat.
Preparation of Seed for Treatment
Before the treatment of wheat seeds, one has to clean the seeds, removes oversized or damaged seeds, and dust with the soil residues that might be present on them. This is achieved by passing the seeds through a paddy cleaning machine, where the seeds are separated from contaminants. After the seeds have been cleaned and separated, they are ready for treatment.
Benefits of Seed Treatment in Wheat Production
The major goal of seed treatment is to protect the crops from disease and pest infestation, enhancing seed germination, and improving yields. These benefits can further be explained as follows:
1. Disease Control: In the farming industry, seedborne diseases are responsible for a significant proportion of crop losses. Seed treatments for wheat eliminate these diseases before they become a problem, leading to healthier crops and improved yields.
2. Protection from Insects and Pests: Seed treatments also protect the wheat plants from pest infestations, particularly those that attack the roots and lower stems. Treating seeds with systemic pesticides is a straightforward way to protect crops from insect damage.
3. Increased Yield: Seed treatment in wheat increases yields due to early and healthy seedling emergence, multiplication of beneficial microbes on the seed, and improved plant growth that goes beyond the seedling stage.
4. Saves Cost: Since seed treatments offer protection to crops, farmers can save on other costs that would have been used for crop protection.
Types of Seed Treatment
There are different types of seed treatment, but the most common and effective ones for wheat includes:
1. Chemical Seed Treatment: This involves the application of chemical agents to the seeds to control fungal or bacterial growth and pests.
2. Biological Seed Treatment: This is the use of microorganisms to prevent pests and the growth of parasites. The organisms can be applied as liquids or powders.
3. Physical Seed Treatment: This type involves using heat, high-pressure water, or radiation.
Conclusion
Seed treatment plays an essential role in the wheat production process by protecting seeds from disease, pests, and parasitic infestations. It is necessary to choose the appropriate type of seed treatment based on the seed’s condition and the crop’s needs. By taking the necessary measures to ensure seed quality, farmers can improve crop yields and ultimately benefit from the increased income.