Effect of Pelletization with Bentonite on Emergence of Carrot Seeds

Abstract

Many vegetable seeds are small, light and irregular in shape and therefore, it is difficult to plant them precisely. Sowing these problematic seeds with protective layers of coatings may be the solution to ensure its safe handling. The carrot seed pelleting improves the size and shape of the seeds and thereby improving the mechanical metering of carrot seeds. The control treatment (T1) did not receive any coating, and other four treatment combinations are: Maida gruel with bentonite coated seeds with 2-3mm size (T2), Maida gruel with bentonite coated seeds more than 3 mm size (T3), Gum acacia with bentonite coated seeds with 2-3mm size (T4) and Gum acacia with bentonite coated seeds more than 3 mm size (T5). Two varieties of carrot seeds were used for the study. The effect of seed pelleting treatments was evaluated and compared with bare carrot seeds in the laboratory and in actual field condition. Pelleted seeds improved germination percentage of carrot significantly.