Importance of Biological Seed Treatment in Vegetable Production
A majority of food crops around the world are grown from seed. With the increasing global population and focus on sustainable agriculture to meet the food demands in the future, the role of effective seed treatment is significant. It helps in initial losses due to seedling mortality (which leads to re-sowing) and protects against diseases and pests at the most vulnerable stage of plant growth. Seed treatment is essential for enhanced crop protection amid rising concerns over food security.
Unfortunately, as per an estimate, 80% of the seed used in India is still not treated. The farming community are neither aware of such practices, nor are they educated to instill the importance of this practice. Not using seed treatment practices causes the farming community unnecessary losses. The propogation of seed treatment- provides a great opportunity to all the stakeholders in the farming sector to limit the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers and other harmful substances from damaging the soil as well as the environment.
Biological seed treatment can be defined as the application of biologically active ingredients to the seed before it is sown in the soil. It includes microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, plant extracts as well as algal extracts. The biological substance applied in liquid or powder form coats the seed and acts as a accelerator and protector to the seed during the process of germination.
Biological seed treatment boosts growth and thereby the productivity of the crops. Moreover, it increases the resilience of plants and contributes to the development of a robust root system. Depending on the active ingredient used in the formulation, the benefits from seed production could be seen in the following ways:
Bio-stimulant action – A crop that has undergone biological seed treatment using biostimulant may show enhanced germination, better seedling survival rate, acquires strength and grows better.
Alleviation from Biotic stress – Seedling stage is the most vulnerable stage to pathogen attack, early onset infections can be prevented by using appropriate biological seed treatment to counter the attack of the pathogen in the soil.
Improvement in Nutrient intake – Biological seed treatment enhances the availability of plant nutrients at the roots and hence helps in better nutrient uptake. Specific plant growth-promoting microorganisms help in better nutrient assimilation.
Chemical exposure – Biological seed treatment is an alternative to harmful chemicals in certain aspects of seed treatment. Consequently, the impact of chemicals on the environment is reduced. Moreover, the negative effect of chemicals on the soil is limited as well.
The effective and efficient use of biological microorganisms to protect plants and boost vegetable production is possible with biological control systems that are easy to use, economical as well as reliable for the farming community. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on safe agricultural production activities and environmentally friendly practices. Thus, the latest innovations and technology that include living microorganisms for seed treatment is fast gaining popularity.
Organica Biotech is one of the leaders in the industries developing an extensive range of products that promote sustainable farming practises. The advanced Magic Gro range of products are safe, natural and effective. It boosts vegetable production and its quality. The microbial consortium developed in the state of the art facilities are tested and proven for its efficacy and reproducibility. It is known for improving plant vitality, plant immunity and enhances seed germination, fruiting, flowering rates and crop yield. Thus, you can use Magic Gro products to boost farming output and protect the environment as well.
Also read: Paving The Way For Sustainable Agriculture with Biological Seed Treatment
Also read: How to Improve Crop Production in a Changing Climate
