Seed Invigouration Techniques – Important Tool for Sustainable Agriculture – A Review

Abstract

A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f oSeed treatment refers to the application of certain agents physical, chemical or biological to the seed prior to sowing in order to suppress, control or repel pathogens, insects and other pests that attack seeds, seedlings or plants and it ranges from a basic dressing to coating and pelleting. Losses in seed quality occur during field weathering, harvesting and storage. Rapid deterioration occurs due to these environmental conditions make very difficult to maintain its viability during storage. Invigouration treatments that include both presowing and pre storage treatments. Pre sowing that includes Infusion, Fortification and Osmopriming with various bioactive chemicals, are known to improve the seed performance. Pre storage includes Pelleting and hardening proved to be very effective for seed vigour. Lack of awareness to seed treatments at farmer's level is one of the limiting factors in its management and therefore efforts should be made at farmer's level to contain the technology. Keeping the all above facts in mind, selected seed treatment technologies with their improvement and significance will be discussed in this review.