Evaluating the Efficacy of Integrated Chemical and Bio-organic Seed Treatments on Germination, Vigour and Health of Mungbean Seeds [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] under Ambient Storage Conditions
Background: Seed deterioration during storage is a major constraint in legume production, particularly under ambient conditions. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is highly susceptible to loss of viability, vigour as well as increased pathogen and insect infestation. Developing innovative seed treatment combine chemical and organic agents may offer a sustainable solution to extend shelf life of seeds while reducing environmental risks. Methods: A 16 month storage experiment (April 2021-August 2022) was conducted using nine seed treatment combinations comprising fungicides, insecticides, bio agents, botanicals and domestic materials. Seeds of mungbean variety Sweta were stored under ambient laboratory conditions. Seed quality parameters such as germination (%), Seedling vigour Index I and II, disease infection (%) and insect infestation (%)were evaluated at bimonthly intervals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in a completely randomized design (CRD) with F-statistics and treatment ´ time interactions. Result: Seed quality declined progressively across all treatments, with untreated control (T0) showing rapid deterioration. In contrast, T3 (Bavistin + cypermethrin + rhizobium + trichoderma + neem oil + camphor) consistently outperformed all the other treatments, maintaining germination at 70%, SVI I at 1522.76 and SVI II at 12.53 after 16 months, compared to significantly lower values recorded in the control (51.5%, 654.81 and 5.72, respectively), which could be attributed to synergistic effect of fungicide, insecticide and biological mechanisms acting across the storage period. T3 recorded lowest disease infection and insect infestation, keeping seeds healthy for up to 14 months, while control seeds fell below the Indian minimum seed certification standards after 6 months of storage. This integrated approach of combining organic and chemical seed treatments offer a practical pathway toward sustainable agriculture, balancing immediate chemical efficacy with long term environmental safety.