Seed treatment is a crucial step in the process of nursery sowing in paddy. It involves treating the seeds with various chemicals or biotic agents to protect them from disease and pests, and to enhance their growth and yield potential.
The most commonly used seed treatment method in paddy nurseries is soaking the seeds in a solution of fungicides and insecticides. This helps to prevent seed and seedling infections caused by soil-borne pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. Fungicides like Captan and Thiram, Carbendazim, and Mancozeb are widely used in seed treatment. Insecticides like Chlorpyrifos and Imidacloprid are also used to protect seeds from insect and mite attacks.
Another popular method of seed treatment is the use of biocontrol agents. These are living organisms that naturally control the population of pests and pathogens in the soil. Trichoderma and Pseudomonas are the most commonly used biocontrol agents in the seed treatment of paddy.
Apart from the above-mentioned methods, seed priming and coating are also gaining popularity in paddy seed treatment. Seed priming involves soaking the seeds in water or a nutrient-rich solution to enhance their germination and seedling establishment. Seed coating involves applying a layer of materials like clay or polymers on the seeds to improve their handling and storage capacity.
Before conducting seed treatment, it is necessary to ensure the quality of seeds used for nursery sowing. It is recommended to use certified and disease-free seeds for better yield and productivity.
In conclusion, seed treatment is a crucial step in the process of nursery sowing in paddy. Proper and timely seed treatment can protect the seeds from disease and pests, and enhance their growth and yield potential in the long run. Farmers and growers should opt for quality seeds and choose the appropriate seed treatment method based on their specific requirements and environmental conditions.