PAU Advisory For Rice And Basmati Growers

Ludhiana, May 5, 2016: The Plant Pathology experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have called upon the farmers to go for seed treatment before sowing of rice and basmati rice.
Dr P.S.Sekhon, Head, Department of Plant Pathology, cautioned the farmers against the appearance of seed borne diseases like bacterial blight, sheath blight, brown leaf spot, sheath rot,foot rot and blast in rice and basmati rice. He stressed, “Growing recommended varieties resistant to various diseases, and opting for healthy and disease free seed can prevent these diseases.”
Dr Sekhon advised to treat the seeds before transplanting. He explained, “Dip the seeds in water and stir them. The light and diseased seeds, which float at the top, should be removed and destroyed. While the rest of the seeds, for example 8 kg seeds, should be soaked in 10 litres of water, containing 20 g Bavistin and 1 g Streptocycline, for 10-12 hours .” With this seed treatment method,farmers can prevent the diseases, he added. Further, Dr Sekhon advised, “To prevent the foot rot of basmati rice, dip the seedling roots in 20 g Bavistin, dissolved in 10 litres of water, for 6 hrs before transplanting.” He said the seed treatment reduces the use of fungicides, cuts down farm expenses and saves environment from pollution.