Effect of Different Seed Coating Treatments on Longevity of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (l). Moench] Seeds

Abstract

The effect of different seed coating treatments, comprising polymer, fungicide, insecticide, polymer-fungicide and polymer-insecticide combinations was studied on the longevity and seed quality parameters of okra during a twelve month storage period (January 2018 to December 2018). The experimental material consisted of carry over okra seeds (variety P-8) from the Kharif season 2015. The seeds were coated during December 2016 and stored for 24 months, however, here only the findings from 13^th to 24^th month are presented. At the end of storage period (24 months), recorded data revealed that irrespective of seed coating, seed deteriorated due to decline in vigour probably because increased fungal infection and aging of seed. However, two treatments viz., T₆ -polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg of seed and T - polymer + flowable thiram @ 2.4 ml/kg of seed were found 4 significantly superior for all seed quality parameters viz., germination (%) - first count (%), final count (%), speed of germination, seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (g), seedling vigour index-I, seedling vigour index -II, electrical conductivity (m mho/cm/g) and field emergence (%) over T₁ - untreated control at the end of storage period. Hence, these treatments offer an effective alternative means to secure safe seed storage.