dc.description.abstract | Use of farm-saved seed without treating encourage accumulation of seed borne
pathogens which lead to outbreak and spread of diseases that result in poor emergence,
crop stand, vigour, and reduction in yield. This study sought to determine the effect of
seed treatment on viability and vigour. Seed samples of wheat varieties NjoroII, Robin
and Eagle10 were treated with Murtano super®
(20% Lindane and 26% Thiram),
Seedplus®
(10% Imidacloprid, 10% Metalaxyl, and 10% Carbendazim), Monceren®
125
DS (Imidacloprid 233g/L, Pencycuron 50g/L, Thiram 107g/L.), Rootgard®
,
(Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Aspergillus spp., Chaetomium spp.,
Esherichia spp., Azorobacter spp.), Achook®
(azadiractin 0.15%EC), Score 250 EC®
(Difenoconazole 250g/L) and Thunder®
(Imidacloprid 100g/L and Betacyfluthrin
45g/L). Untreated seeds were used as control. Germination was carried out on paper
towel in the laboratory and on sterilized soil in the green house. Murtano super®
improved germination of NjoroII by 0.5%, Seedplus®
improved germination of Robin by
3.5% while Monceren®
improved germination of Eagle10 by 4%. Score®
and thunder®
suppressed germination of NjoroII, Robin and Eagle10 by more than 50%, 30% and 20%
respectively. All the treatments reduced seedling infections significantly. Seedplus,
Murtano super and Achook significantly improved vigour indices of NjoroII, Robin and
Eagle10 respectively. Seed treatments control seed borne diseases but some suppress
germination and vigour. It is necessary to enhance farmers’ awareness on the importance
of seed treatment in order to improve germination, emergence and vigour and to prevent
crop losses. | en_US |