Original scientific paper

EFFECT OF STONE MEAL ON CONTROL OF SEED-BORNE DISEASES IN WHEAT

Vesna Samobor ; Križevci College of Agriculture, Krizevci, Croatia
Dijana Horvat ; Križevci College of Agriculture, Krizevci, Croatia
Branko Kesteli ; Agropan d.o.o. 44, Koprivnička, Zagreb, Croatia
Marijan Jošt ; JOST Seed-Research, 21, S. Radića, Križevci, Croatia

Abstract

In organic seed production more than a half of seed lots are often discarded due to heavy infection with seed borne pathogens. To prevent this, various techniques are used: seed heat treatment, ultrasound treatment, brush cleaning and seed dressing with plant extracts or natural chemicals. In 2008, the efficiency of wheat seed treatment with the stone meal was tested and the results of preliminary investigation are presented. Two tests were performed using the official procedure for seed health testing.
Test 1: Heavily infected wheat seed was treated with the stone meal EKORAST (particle size <0.08 mm). Dry and wet treatment procedures were applied: both with 1, 2, 10 and 20%. Heavy application (10 and 20 kg per 100 kg of seed) significantly increased germination and energy of wheat seed, and it was effective against bacterial pathogens and some fungi, but only partially effective against heavy infection of Fusarium spp. However, the amounts of stone meal (10 and 20%) are practically not applicable, and adhesion of stone meal to the seed should be improved.
Test 2: Wheat cleaned seed of seven genotypes was wet treated with Ekorast (1 %) and chemical fungicide Vitavax 200FF (250 ml/100 kg). The untreated seed was used as control. There were no significant differences between the three variants in germination and energy. The stone meal Eko-rast was equal or better than Vitavax 200FF in seed protection against seed borne pathogens, and could be recommended for seed treatment in organic seed production. Search for an additive with better adhesion to seed is under way.

Keywords

wheat; seed borne diseases; seed treatment; stone meal

Hrčak ID:

33136

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/33136

Publication date:

12.1.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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