agriculture

1. Seed Treatment forSeed Treatment for
Quality EnhancementQuality Enhancement
P.K SharmaP.K Sharma
M.sc. Plant pathologyM.sc. Plant pathology

2. Brief Historical BackgroundBrief Historical Background
 MANUSMRITIMANUSMRITI, a, a 500500 year old Indian scripture, goodyear old Indian scripture, good
seed in good soil give abundant yields.seed in good soil give abundant yields.
 Surpala’s VrikshayurvedaSurpala’s Vrikshayurveda (800AD)(800AD)recommends that seedsrecommends that seeds
be steeped in milk and rubbed in cow dung, dried andbe steeped in milk and rubbed in cow dung, dried and
then repeatedly rubbed in honey mixed with powder ofthen repeatedly rubbed in honey mixed with powder of
VidangaVidanga ((Emelia ribisEmelia ribis ), for good yields), for good yields
 TullTull (1973)(1973) found that in England while normal seedsfound that in England while normal seeds
gave wheat crops infected with bunt, seeds accidentallygave wheat crops infected with bunt, seeds accidentally
soaked in sea water gave a healthy yield. This gavesoaked in sea water gave a healthy yield. This gave
practice of treating wheat seeds with brine waterpractice of treating wheat seeds with brine water

3. Some Major Successes in SeedSome Major Successes in Seed
TreatmentTreatment
 Siddiqui et alSiddiqui et al (1987)(1987) were able to control Downy Mildew of Pearlwere able to control Downy Mildew of Pearl
Millet caused byMillet caused by Sclerospora gramnicolaSclerospora gramnicola by treating the seed withby treating the seed with
Apron, DSApron, DS formulation of metalaxyl.formulation of metalaxyl.
 Gaur and SharmaGaur and Sharma (1992)(1992) , while working on loose smut of wheat, while working on loose smut of wheat
caused bycaused by Ustilago segatumUstilago segatum var.var. tritici ,tritici ,could find a dry seedcould find a dry seed
treatment of wheat seed withtreatment of wheat seed with RaxilRaxil (-2-(-chlorophynyl ) ethyl (-(-2-(-chlorophynyl ) ethyl (-
1,1-dimethyl –ethyl ) -1,4,-1,2,4-triazole –ethanol) quite effective1,1-dimethyl –ethyl ) -1,4,-1,2,4-triazole –ethanol) quite effective
 Wainwright et alWainwright et al (1994)(1994) found liquid or flowable formulations offound liquid or flowable formulations of
tebuconozole and tria zoxide for control of some seed bornetebuconozole and tria zoxide for control of some seed borne
disease of barleydisease of barley

4. Seed TreatmentSeed Treatment
Seed treatment is a “genetic term which does notSeed treatment is a “genetic term which does not
specify the application method but indicates thatspecify the application method but indicates that
the seeds are subjected to a compoundthe seeds are subjected to a compound(nutrient,(nutrient,
chemical, hormones)chemical, hormones), a process, a process (such as wetting(such as wetting
and drying)and drying) or to vigorous energy formsor to vigorous energy forms (such as(such as
heat, radiation, electricity, magnetism)heat, radiation, electricity, magnetism) etc. toetc. to
enhance the planting value of seed”.enhance the planting value of seed”.
Scott .(1989)Scott .(1989)

5. Advantages of Seed TreatmentAdvantages of Seed Treatment
Seed TreatmentSeed Treatment
 Local ApplicationLocal Application
 Limited localization in soilLimited localization in soil
 Reduced application rateReduced application rate
 Only crop/Plant is treatedOnly crop/Plant is treated
 Protection right from theProtection right from the
time of sowingtime of sowing
 Taken up systemically by theTaken up systemically by the
plantplant
 Farmer save extra workFarmer save extra work
 No driftNo drift
SprayingSpraying
 Treatment of whole areaTreatment of whole area
 Contamination of soil surfaceContamination of soil surface
 High application rateHigh application rate
 Surrounding vegetation alsoSurrounding vegetation also
effectedeffected
 No protection from soil pestsNo protection from soil pests
 Possible danger of sprayingPossible danger of spraying
 Extra work involvedExtra work involved
 Potential rick of driftPotential rick of drift

6. Seed Treatment MethodsSeed Treatment Methods
 PESTICIDAL SEED TREATMENTPESTICIDAL SEED TREATMENT
 PHYSICAL SEED TREATMENTPHYSICAL SEED TREATMENT

7. Pesticidal Seed TreatmentPesticidal Seed Treatment
 Seed CoatingSeed Coating
1Coating with chemical protectant1Coating with chemical protectant
2 Film coating2 Film coating
 PelletingPelleting
 Seed PrimingSeed Priming
1Osmopriming1Osmopriming
2 Halo priming2 Halo priming
3 Solid Matrix Priming (SMP)3 Solid Matrix Priming (SMP)

8. Main Groups Of Chemical FormulationsMain Groups Of Chemical Formulations
Used As Seed TreatmentUsed As Seed Treatment
DS Powder for dry seed treatment ,containing the active
ingredient along with additives to prevent cohesion of
particles to seed surface
WP Wettable powders ,containing active ingredient, fillers and a
wetting agent for use in slurry
WS Water dispersible fine powders for dispersion in high
concentration, allowing use as slurry Particle size : up to 9
mm.
LS Fungicides in non aqueous solution for direct application to
seeds
FS Flow able concentration for direct use on seeds after
dilution.

9. Seed CoatingSeed Coating
 Seed CoatingSeed Coating
A direct application of substance, botanical orA direct application of substance, botanical or
synthetic to cover the outer surface seed providessynthetic to cover the outer surface seed provides
a mechanism to protect against pathogen & pestsa mechanism to protect against pathogen & pests
1Chemical protect ant1Chemical protect ant Captan, Apron,Vitavax etc.Captan, Apron,Vitavax etc.
2Film coating2Film coating IntellicoatsIntellicoats
3Botanical /microbial3Botanical /microbial Rhizobium/TricodermaRhizobium/Tricoderma
/Neem/Neem

10. PelletingPelleting
 PelletingPelleting
Involve rolling of seed seeds with pesticides,Involve rolling of seed seeds with pesticides,
nutrient ,filler and binders with gradual additionnutrient ,filler and binders with gradual addition
of water followed by drying to the seeds untilof water followed by drying to the seeds until
correct size /grade of pellet is obtainedcorrect size /grade of pellet is obtained

11. Seed PrimingSeed Priming
‘‘a pre sowing treatment in which seed are soakeda pre sowing treatment in which seed are soaked
in an osmotic soln. that allow them to imbibein an osmotic soln. that allow them to imbibe
water go through the first two stages ofwater go through the first two stages of
germination but does not permit radicle togermination but does not permit radicle to
protrude through seed coat’protrude through seed coat’
Heydecker (1973)Heydecker (1973)

12. Physical Seed TreatmentPhysical Seed Treatment
 Solar Heat TreatmentSolar Heat Treatment
 Hot Water TreatmentHot Water Treatment
 Dry Heat TreatmentDry Heat Treatment
 Aerated Steam TreatmentAerated Steam Treatment

14. Priming Techniques Used SuccessfullyPriming Techniques Used Successfully
in Horticulture Cropsin Horticulture Crops
Crop Priming Technique Remarks
Bittergourd SMP
Hydration
Osmo priming
Vermiculite, 20 0
C for 48 h
Wrapping in moist muslin cloth ,20 0
C for 48 h
Mannitol(-1.0MPa) for 3 days at 25 0
C
Carrot Osmo priming PEG 6000 (-1.0MPa) for 3 days at 25 0
C
Cauli flower Osmo priming
Halo priming
PEG 6000 (-1.0MPa) for 6 days at 25 0
C
KNO 3 (15mM) at 25 0
C
Chilli SMP Vermiculite, 25 0
C for 48 h
Okra SMP
Hydro priming
Vermiculite, 20 0
C for 20 h
Water soaking at 20 0
C for 20 h
Onion Osmo priming
Halo priming
PEG 6000 (-1.0MPa) for 6 days at 25 0
C
MgSO 4 (10 mM) at 25 0
C
Papaya PGR GA3 (2.0 mM) soaking for 24 h
Tomato Osmo priming
Halo priming
PEG 6000 (-1.0MPa) for 6days at25 0
C
KNO 3 (15mM) at 25 0
C

15. Physical Seed TreatmentPhysical Seed Treatment
Different Types of Physical Treatments :-Different Types of Physical Treatments :-
RadiationRadiation
TemperatureTemperature
MagneticMagnetic
MicrowaveMicrowave
Controlled Gaseous AtmosphereControlled Gaseous Atmosphere
Further research has intensified onFurther research has intensified on
ionizing radiation, controlled atmosphere, cold treatment,ionizing radiation, controlled atmosphere, cold treatment,
conventional hot air , radio frequency and microwaveconventional hot air , radio frequency and microwave
dielectric heatingdielectric heating

16. Seed Treatment of Major Food CropsSeed Treatment of Major Food Crops
Crop Pest/Disease Seed Treatment
Rice Root rot Disease &
other insect pests
Root Knot nematodes
White Tip nematodes
Trichoderma 5-10 g/kg seed(before transplanting
Chloropyriphos 2.5to 12 ml/kg seed or 3-10 g/kg seed
Seed Soaking in 0.2% of monocrotophos for 6 h
Seed Soaking in 0.2% of monocrotophos for 6 h
Wheat Termites Treat the seed with Chloropyriphos @4ml/kg or
Endosulphan@7ml/kg Seed before sowing
Maize Soil & seed Borne
Disease
Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @4 g/kg
Pearl
Millets
Soil borne Disease Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @4 g/kg
Sorghum Soil Borne Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @4 g/kg
Sugarcane Root Rot, Wilt Carbendazium (0.1%), Trichoderma .spp.@4-6g/kg seed

17. Seed Treatment of Vegetables CropsSeed Treatment of Vegetables Crops
Crop Pest/Disease Seed Treatment
Chillies Anthracnose spp
Psedomonas spp.
Seed Treatment with Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @ 4 g/kg
Carbendazim @ 1gm/100 kg of seed
Pea Root rot
White Rot
Seed treatment with Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas fluorcsens
Soil application@2.5 kgin 100g of FYM Or
Carbendazim or Captan 2g /kg seed, T harzianium @ 4 g/kgor Thiram+ Carbendazim 2g/kg
seed
Onion Smut T. viride @2g/kg seed Benlate or Vitavax @ 0.01 %
Bhindi Coller rot
Root Knot Nematode
Carbosulfan (25 ST) @30 % ( w/w) T viride @2g/kg seed T.viride @ 2g/kg seed
Tomato Early Blight ,Damping off. Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @ 2 g/100 kg
Bringal Soil Borne Infectious disease of Fungus Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @ 2 g/100 kg
Cucubits Soil Borne Disease Trichoderma viride ,T harzianium @4 g/kg
Leguminous
Vegetables
Soil Borne Infectous Nematodes T. viride @2g/100 kg seed Carbofuran/Carbosulfan 3% (w/w)
Potatos Soil Borne Tuber disease Seed Treatment with Boric acid 3%for 20 minutes before storage

18. Seed Treatment of Oil &PulsesSeed Treatment of Oil &Pulses
Crop Pest/Disease Seed Treatment
Ground
nut
Stem ,seed & Seedling
rot Disease
White grubs
Soil application of Castor cake @ 1000kg /ha or Neem
cake or seed treatment with Trichoderma viride ,
T harzianium @ 4 g/kg
Chloropyriphos/Quinalphos @ 2.5to 12 ml/kg seed
Seseme Root Rot Disease,
Seedling Blight,
Cercospora leaf
blight,Dry root
rot,Alternaria leaf Spot,
Bacterial blight,
Bacterial leaf spot.
Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg
Seed treatment with Thiram 2-2.5 g/kg;
Agrimycin-100 (250ppm) or Streptocycline suspension
0.05%
Gram Root Rot Nemotode,
Lesion Nemotode Wilt.
Seed treatment with combination of Corbendazim with
Carbosulfan @ 0.2 %, Carbendazim with Thiram
2.5g/kg

19. Water TreatmentWater Treatment
Disease Pathogen Temperature
(0
C)
Duration
(min)
Loose Smut of Wheat Ustilogo segetum var. tritici 49 90-120
Downy Mildew of
pearlmillet.
Sclerospora graminicola 55 10
Blackrot of crucifers Xanthomonas compestris var.
compestris
52 10
Pea blight Psedudomonas syringae pv. pisi 55 15

20. Dry Heat TreatmentDry Heat Treatment
Crop Pathogen Temperature (0
C) Duration
(min)
Pea Psedudomonas syringae pv. pisi 65 24
Beans Psedudomonas syringae pv. pisi 60 72

21. Treatment with Aerated SteamTreatment with Aerated Steam
Crop Pathogen Temperature (0
C) Duration
(min)
Maize Drechslera maydis 54 17
Wheat Septoria nodorum 52-62 30
Beans Psedudomonas syringae pv. pisi 55-60 30-60

22. Seed Treating DrumSeed Treating Drum
Dry Formulation Of fungicides is used , which includes the activeDry Formulation Of fungicides is used , which includes the active
ingredient and an inert matteringredient and an inert matter
AdvantageAdvantage :-Can easily be handled by Farmer at any place in field:-Can easily be handled by Farmer at any place in field
or home courtyardor home courtyard
Dis advantageDis advantage :-Chemical Wastage and also not uniform on seed:-Chemical Wastage and also not uniform on seed
surfacesurface

23. Slurry TreaterSlurry Treater
A wett able powder is suspended in water to make slurry.A wett able powder is suspended in water to make slurry.
A known quantity of seed and slurry is dumped in mixingA known quantity of seed and slurry is dumped in mixing
chamber where they get blendedchamber where they get blended

24. Mist-O- Matic TreaterMist-O- Matic Treater
The mist-o- matic Seed Treater applies the treatmentThe mist-o- matic Seed Treater applies the treatment
directly to the seed in the form of a mistdirectly to the seed in the form of a mist

25. Seed Coating MachineSeed Coating Machine
The machine is used to apply a thin filmThe machine is used to apply a thin film
coating of water permeable coat usuallycoating of water permeable coat usually
polymer binder containingpolymer binder containing
pesticides/fungicidespesticides/fungicides

26. Pelleting EquipmentPelleting Equipment
The irregular seed become uniform in this pelleting machineThe irregular seed become uniform in this pelleting machine
thus facilitating precision drilling for optimum plant stand.thus facilitating precision drilling for optimum plant stand.

27. Thanks