SEED TREATMENT

Seed treatment refers to the application of fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect and disinfect them from seed-borne or soil-borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects.  It also refers to the subjecting of seeds to solar energy exposure, immersion in conditioned water, etc.  The seed treatment is done to achieve the following benefits.

Benefits of Seed Treatment:

1) Prevents spread of plant diseases

2) Protects seed from seed rot and seedling blights

3) Improves germination

4) Provides protection from storage insects

5) Controls soil insects.

Types of Seed Treatment:

1) Seed disinfection: Seed disinfection refers to the eradication of fungal spores that have become established within the seed coat, or i more deep-seated tissues.  For effective control, the fungicidal treatment must actually penetrate the seed in order to kill the fungus that is present.

2) Seed disinfestation: Seed disinfestation refers to the destruction of surface-borne organisms that have contaminated the seed surface but not infected the seed surface.  Chemical dips, soaks, fungicides applied as dust, slurry or liquid have been found successful.

3) Seed Protection: The purpose of seed protection is to protect the seed and young seedling from organisms in the soil which might otherwise cause decay of the seed before germination.