Seed treatment is crucial for protecting seeds from seed-borne diseases. For every kilogram of seed, 3 grams of Vitavax-200 is typically used for treatment. Additionally, there are numerous other seed purifying agents available. Plant diseases are commonly transmitted through soil, wind, and seeds. Pathogens can reside within the seed or on its outer coat, making seed treatment essential for safeguarding crops. Seed treatment involves the destruction of pathogens present in seeds.
There are generally three methods of seed treatment:
(1) Dry Method: In this approach, half of the drum is filled with 300 to 500 parts seeds and one part mercury-organic powder in a plastic drum. As the drum’s handle is turned, the powder adheres to the seeds, forming a coating. A seed cleaning container should be placed in front of the drum to collect any treated seeds that may spill. Alternatively, if there is a small amount of seeds, they can be cleaned by mixing 300 to 500 parts seeds with one part mercurial organic matter powder in a tin bucket or by shaking well. Seed treatment drugs such as Granosan ‘M’, Agrosan G, Ceresan, and Erasan can be used.
(2) Wet Method: Seeds are treated using mercuric chloride, formaldehyde, fume, etc., in the wet method. To prepare the treatment solution, mix 1 part mercuric chloride with 1000 parts water in a container and immerse the seeds in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Then, the seeds can be dried and stored or sown in the field. For formaldehyde treatment, mix one part formaldehyde with 400 parts water and immerse the shelled seeds in the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring well. Afterward, pile the seeds in one place and cover them with a wet sack for 3 to 4 hours. Finally, thoroughly dry the treated seeds in the sun. Seeds with high water content should not be treated, and those intended for storage beyond one season should not undergo treatment.
(3) Hot Water Method: This non-chemical method effectively destroys germs inside vegetable seeds. In this method, water-soluble seeds are soaked in hot water while enclosed in a thin American cloth. It’s crucial to control the soaking temperature and duration properly, followed by rapid seed drying at a low temperature of 32°C to prevent damage. Old and weak seeds should not be treated using this method.