Effect of Seed Treatment on Wheat Seed Viability and Vigour

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.