Sure, here is an article on seed treatment in onion crop information:
Onions are one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables around the world. They are used in almost every cuisine to add flavor and aroma to the dishes. However, growing onions can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to combating pests and diseases that can threaten the yield. One of the most effective ways of protecting onions during their growth is by treating the seeds before planting. This process is known as seed treatment and is becoming increasingly popular among farmers.
Seed treatment is an integral part of onion farming as it helps to prevent major diseases, improve seedling vigor, and increase the yield. The treatment process involves coating the seeds with certain chemicals or biologicals that can protect the seeds from fungi, bacteria, and pests. The seed treatment protects the seedlings from harmful pathogens, providing a better start to the plant, which results in a healthy crop at the end.
The seed treatments for onion crops mostly contain fungicides, particularly, thiram, mancozeb, and captan. These chemicals have been approved for use on onion seeds by regulatory organizations and are safe for human consumption. The fungicides protect against soil borne and seed borne fungi, including Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. They also protect seedlings from diseases like damping off, which is a common problem for onions grown in cool and wet conditions.
Apart from fungicides, biologicals are also used in seed treatment. They contain living organisms like bacteria and fungi that can colonize the roots and rhizosphere of the plants. These organisms promote plant growth and improve the plant’s resistance to pest and diseases. Some of the common biologicals used in onion seed treatment are Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas.
Seed treatment for onion crops can be done by farmers or by seed companies. The seeds are first cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and other impurities. They are then treated with a fungicide or a biological and dried to remove excess moisture. The treated seeds are then packed in a seed bag or container and are ready to be sown.
In conclusion, seed treatment is an essential component in onion farming as it protects the seedlings from soil-borne and seed-borne diseases and pests, improves seedling vigor, and increases the crop yield. Farmers and seed companies should ensure they use approved chemicals and biologicals in treating the seeds and follow best practices to achieve optimal results.