Seed treatment is a vital process in agriculture that helps to protect crops against pests and diseases. In the case of gram or chickpeas, seed treatment is especially important due to the numerous fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect this crop. Here is why seed treatment is necessary for successful gram cultivation and how you can carry out the process effectively.
The importance of seed treatment for Gram
Gram seed treatment is essential for many reasons. Firstly, the gram plant is vulnerable to many bacterial and fungal diseases, such as damping off, wilt, blight, and root rot. These diseases can severely affect the yield and quality of the crop. Secondly, untreated gram seeds are more susceptible to insect pest attacks. These pests can eat away at the crop, causing significant losses for farmers.
When gram seeds are treated with the right chemicals and nutrients, they become better equipped to fight against these issues. They become more resistant to pests and diseases, resulting in a healthier plant and a higher yield. Furthermore, seed treatment helps to improve seed germination and enhances plant vigour, ensuring better plant growth and development.
How to treat gram seeds effectively
Seed treatment for gram can be carried out through various methods. These include physical, chemical, and biological processes, each with its benefits.
Physical seed treatment: Physical seed treatments, such as hot water treatment, are effective in eliminating surface pathogens from the seed. This treatment involves soaking the gram seeds in water at a temperature of 50°C to 55°C for about 20 minutes or until the seeds begin to germinate. The treated seeds are then dried and stored for planting.
Chemical seed treatment: The chemical seed treatment process involves applying synthetic or natural chemical agents to the seed to protect them from pests, fungi, and bacterial infections. Some of the common chemical agents used in gram seed treatment include fungicides, insecticides, and bactericides. These agents are formulated to kill or repel pests, bacteria, and fungi that could cause damage to the seed and plant.
Biological seed treatment: Biological seed treatment is a more eco-friendly approach that involves the use of microorganisms to protect the gram seeds from pests and diseases. These microorganisms are known as biocontrol agents and are helpful in controlling fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum. Some of the biocontrol agents used in gram seed treatment include Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. These agents help to stimulate the growth of healthy roots and aid in nutrient uptake.
In conclusion,
Seed treatment provides a way to protect gram plants from diseases and pests, ensuring better plant health and yield. The physical, chemical, and biological treatments outlined above can all be effectively applied to gram seeds. Farmers need to be aware of the various seed treatment options available and choose the one that best suits their specific needs.