Sure, here’s an article on seed treatment of gram:
Gram, also known as chickpeas or chana, is an important pulse crop cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. However, gram seeds are prone to several seed-borne diseases, which can reduce the quality and yield of the crop. To prevent such diseases and enhance the germination and growth of the gram plant, seed treatment is vital.
Seed treatment is a process where the seeds are treated with chemical or biological agents before sowing to protect them against diseases, pests, and environmental stress. Here are some effective seed treatment methods for gram:
Chemical Treatments:
1. Captan: Captan is a broad-spectrum fungicide commonly used to control fungal diseases in gram seeds. It is effective against several seed-borne pathogens such as Ascochyta rabiei, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani.
2. Carbendazim: Carbendazim is another fungicide used to control fungal diseases in gram seeds. It is effective against Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight, which are common fungal diseases in gram.
3. Thiram: Thiram is a fungicide and seed protectant used to control seed and soil-borne fungal diseases and pests. It is effective against damping-off, seedling blight, and root rot diseases in gram seeds.
Biological Treatments:
1. Trichoderma: Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that is used as a biocontrol agent to protect gram seeds against fungal diseases. It colonizes the seed surface and suppresses the growth of pathogenic fungi by secreting antifungal compounds.
2. Pseudomonas fluorescens: Pseudomonas fluorescens is a beneficial bacterium that is used as a biocontrol agent to protect gram seeds against fungal diseases. It colonizes the seed surface and produces compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi.
3. Bacillus subtilis: Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium that is used as a biocontrol agent to protect gram seeds against fungal diseases. It colonizes the seed surface and produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds that suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Seed treatment is an essential component of good agricultural practices for gram cultivation. It protects the seeds against seed-borne diseases, pests, and environmental stress, and enhances the germination and growth of the crop. Therefore, farmers should choose the appropriate seed treatment method based on their local conditions and the prevalent seed-borne diseases in the region.