As a popular cereal crop worldwide, paddy, also known as rice, plays a critical role in ensuring food security. While paddy cultivation is widespread in many parts of the world, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases. One way to counter this challenge is through seed treatment, which can improve the crop’s overall growth and yield. Below is some information regarding seed treatment for nursery sowing in paddy.
Seed treatment involves the application of chemicals or biological agents to the seeds before planting. Seed treatments can help create a barrier against several pests, diseases and also promote faster germination and emerge healthier seedlings. In paddy, seed treatments have been shown to enhance the germination rate, plant growth and also give protection from various pathogens.
There are various methods of seed treatment that can be applied in paddy. The first is chemical seed treatment, which involves the use of chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides. These chemicals can either be applied as a dry powder, a liquid, or as a seed coating. The seed coating can be done using sticky polymers, clay, or other materials that help the chemicals to stick to the seed and provide controlled release of chemicals.
One of the most common chemical seed treatments in paddy is the use of fungicides. Fungicides help protect the seed from various fungal diseases that could affect seed germination or early seedling growth. Fungicides commonly used include Carbendazim, Thiram, and Mancozeb. Besides, insecticides such as Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, and Fipronil are used to protect the plant from underground pests such as nematodes, grubs, and other soil-borne pests.
The Second method is biological seed treatment, which uses various microbes to protect the plant from diseases or pests. Bio control agents such as Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. act as bio-fungicides and protect the seed from pathogens, improve overall plant growth and also increase the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
It is important to note that seed treatments should be done following the recommended dosage as excessive treatment can lead to seed damage or resistance development amongst pests and diseases.
In conclusion, seed treatment is an essential practice in paddy cultivation, as it helps control various pests and diseases that affect seed germination and seedling growth. Farmers should adopt seed treatments as part of their nursery management to improve plant health, yield and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the field.