Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Yashavanth G, R Siddaraju, Radha BN, Manja Naik C and Bhojaraja Naik K

Abstract:
Bruchid, a pest is infested from the field, is a severe problem with stored greengram seeds. Although there are various approaches to addressing this issue, utilising plant based neutral is one of the most practical, cost-effective, and ecofriendly choice. Laboratory study was conducted in a completely randomised manner to investigate the effect of plant based neutral silica on the storability of greengram seeds. Greengram seeds were treated with plant based neutral and with chemical check deltamethrin @ 1ml/l. The seeds were then stored in HDPE bags for nine months. The parameters of insect population and seed quality were recorded in order to assess the efficacy of different concentrations of silica. Neutral silica @ 2.0 g/l (T₃) recorded the highest seed quality parameters viz., seed germination (80.4%), mean seedling length (33.53 cm), mean seedling dry weight (18.90 mg), seedling vigour index-I and II (2683 and 1514 respectively), lowest seed moisture content (9.98%), the electrical conductivity of seed leachate (1.40 mScm^-1), seed damage (1.55%) and compared to control the treatment neutral silica @ 2.0 g/l (T₃) has recorded the maximum C: B ratio of 1: 14.89 after nine months of storage. A successful seed storage management strategy that kept seed quality above MSCS level for up to nine months of storage was the neutral silica @ 2.0 g/l (T₃) seed treatment.