An analysis of the persistence and potency of film-coated seed protectant as influenced by various storage parameters.
BACKGROUND
An efficient delivery system for seed-protectant chemicals is needed in light of several disadvantages of conventional seed treatment methods. This study evaluates the efficacy of film-coat application in maintaining the persistence and potency of imidacloprid on Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill. seeds after simultaneous storage under ambient and regulated environment in paper and aluminium packages.


RESULTS
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed 0.135 mg kg(-1) of herbage material to be the threshold value beyond which absolute control was obtained, and with film coating the latter was achieved even with half-dosage seed treatment, irrespective of the storage condition. The technique provided early protection to the crop and also nullified the deleterious effects of ambient storage on the persistence and potency of the pesticide.


CONCLUSIONS
Film coating enabled superior pesticide dosage as well as higher biological efficacy to be achieved. Hence, in addition to being an ecofriendly alternative, the technique would be a more economically viable option for storage of treated seeds.
Division of Seed Science and Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. sherryrachel@yahoo.co.in
Sherry Rachel
SR
Jacob
M B
MB
Arunkumar
Madhuban
M
Gopal
Chitra
C
Srivastava
S N
SN
Sinha
D000818:Animals; D004355:Drug Stability; D005511:Food Handling; D006430:Hemiptera / Q000187:drug effects; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007306:Insecticides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000737:chemistry*; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry
D007093:Imidazoles; D007306:Insecticides; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; C082359:imidacloprid