Effect of imidacloprid-hexaconazole seed treatment mixture on germination, seedling growth and termite damage in wheat

Abstract

Field efficacy of seed treatment (ST) with pre-mixed combination of imidacloprid 18.5 per cent + hexaconazole 1.5 per cent at different dosages and time intervals before sowing is reported for the management termites in wheat. Germination and seedling growth decreased significantly in seeds treated 31 d before sowing. Effect of pesticide treatments on germination and shoot length were non-significant; however, root length and vigour index reduced significantly with an increase in dosage of the combination pesticide. Root length (14.66 cm) and vigour index (1420.41) were the highest in untreated seed and were statistically similar to imidaclopridhexaconazole ST @ 2 mLkg⁻¹ of seed (13.90 cm and 1304.06). Interaction effects of time interval × pesticides were non-significant for germination, seedling length and vigour index. Field trials confirmed that imidacloprid-hexaconazole ST did not adversely affect germination and could be used to effectively reduce termite infestation and increase seed yield. Imidacloprid-hexaconazole mixture is a ready to use alternative for farmers which saves time and labour over separate ST for termites and smuts.