Performance evaluation of pre-sowing seed treatments using bio-agents in transplanted aromatic rice under organic conditions

In order to minimize the effect of lower productivity issues in terms of organic rice cultivation particularly for the small and marginal farmers of the state of Assam, the present research was undertaken with an objective of improving early seedling growth characteristics in organic rice cultivation using user friendly bio-formulations in the form of seed treatment. Locally prepared five organic bio-formulations particularly Organic-Metajal, Organic-Trichojal, Organic-Beauverijal, Azospirillum spp. and BIO Phos liquid PSB formulation were used as seed treatment on a high yielding aromatic rice variety "Keteki Joha" in order to evaluate the early seedling growth characters in addition to estimating the enzymatic activity by alpha amylase and lipid peroxidation under laboratory conditions. Among all the bio-agents, Org-Trichojal(T3) was found to be most effective in terms of achieving highest percentage of early vigour and seedling growth. Seed treatment with Org-Metajal (T2) and Org-Trichojal (T3)showed higher activity of alpha-amylase and lowest activity for peroxidise which had also reflected the better performance in germination and vigour indicators. While on the other hand, bio-formulations including Org-Metajal (T2).Organic-Beauverijal, Azospirillum spp. and BIO Phos were also found to be effective in improving growth as compared to the control.