Зерновое хозяйство России (May 2018)
Preventive methods of injury of spring wheat seeds
Abstract
Injuries have negative effect on sowing and phyto sanitary properties of wheat seeds. The seeds can be mechanically injured during harvesting and processing, and they can be injured by pests and diseases during vegetation period. The assessment of severity of seed injuries showed that amount of yield losses depends on localization of injuries. The injury of a germ is especially dangerous. Micro injuries of a germ and endosperm reduce a number of initial roots and amount of sprouts. Injuries of bran covering had no effect on germination and development of roots, though reduced amount of sprouts. The injured seeds showed higher infection with seedling blight and rot. Seed injuries have a long-term effect on growth and development of plants, including formation of grains of new yield and its tolerance to injuries. Studying the effect of seeding rates and use of fungicides in a heading phase on a degree of injury of spring wheat seeds we have established that a seeding rate, treatment with fungicide and varietal traits had the largest influence on decrease of injuries. It has been established that the optimal seeding rate and a balanced mineral fertilizing also reduce injuries. To prevent injuries it’s necessary to apply seed disinfection with tank mixtures of fungicides, then non-root fertilizing with fungicides and pre-harvesting desiccation. The application of these methods allows reducing seed injury and increasing their quality. In this case, pre-sowing treatment of seeds has a larger effect on decrease of general injury of seeds, germs and endosperm than treatment of seeds during the vegetation period.