ENHANCING SEED QUALITY AND INSECT MANAGEMENT IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) THROUGH OPTIMIZATION OF STORAGE TREATMENTS WITH NATURAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS
Mukesh Rathore, Yellanki Pravalika, Rajneesh Kumar, Aman Tutlani, Nikita Aggarwal
Abstract
This research paper presents the findings of a laboratory experiment conducted at the School of Agriculture, ITM University, Sithouli Campus, Gwalior, India during the 2021-22 season.The study aimed to investigate the impact of natural and chemical compounds on seed quality parameters and the management of storage insects in wheat seeds, particularly the Sharbati C-306 variety.Seven distinct treatments, including a control group were utilized and the treated seeds were stored in three different containers: polythene bags, muslin cloth bags and bamboo storage structures, for duration of nine months.The results of the study demonstrated that seeds treated with Aluminium Phosphide exhibited the lowest insect infestation (2.87%) and electrical conductivity (18.99) after nine months, followed closely by neem extracts (6.07%and 20.69).Furthermore, AlP (Aluminium Phosphide) was highly effective in preserving seed quality parameters, including germination rate (90.27%), mean seedling length (13.66 cm), seed vigour indices (1233.38 and 26.8 for index 1 and 2, respectively), dry weight (0.297 gm), test weight (45.33 g) and various biochemical components like carbohydrates (71.22%) and gluten (11.5%).Neem extract also demonstrated considerable efficacy.Among the storage containers, polythene bags showed the lowest insect infestation (5.94%) and electrical conductivity (21.25).Furthermore, polythene containers effectively maintained seed quality parameters, with high germination rates (87.00%),mean seedling length (12.92 cm), seed vigour indices (1125.65 and 25.23), dry weight (0.297 gm), test weight (43.79 gm) and biochemical components (71.00% carbohydrates and 11.36% gluten).This study recommends fumigating wheat seeds with aluminium phosphide or treating them with neem extract before storing them in polythene containers for long-term storage under laboratory conditions.These measures were found to be the most effective for preserving seed quality and managing storage insects.