Abstract

Author:
Chakrapani Adhikari, Dhirendra Man Thapa, Keshar Bahadur Shahi

Doi: 10.26480/sfna.01.2024.01.05

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The recent research addressed the challenge of seed-borne infections caused by Alternaria species affecting wheat crops in Nepal. The study, conducted at the Laboratory of Bright Mid-West Agriculture and Forestry Campus, Birendranagar, Surkhet, from December 2019 to March 2020, utilized a Completely Randomized Design to evaluate seven wheat cultivars and diverse treatments, including Dhanuka M-45, Acmes tin, and Trichoderma viridae. Remarkably, the cultivar ‘Aditya’ exhibited exceptional germination rates at 97%, while ‘NL-297’ displayed complete resistance to seed-borne infections. The application of Trichoderma viridae emerged as a potent strategy, significantly mitigating seed-borne pathogens and underscoring its pivotal role in disease management. The research emphasized the critical role of seed treatment in not only curtailing seed-borne pathogens but also enhancing overall germination rates and bolstering wheat plant vigor. The findings carried significant implications for sustainable wheat cultivation in Nepal, providing practical and actionable strategies for farmers and agricultural practitioners to optimize wheat productivity. The study contributed valuable knowledge to the scientific community and agricultural stakeholders by elucidating the specific impacts of various treatments on seed-borne infections. The results underscored the importance of adopting effective seed treatment practices, such as the incorporation of Trichoderma viridae, to overcome challenges in wheat cultivation in Nepal, thereby fostering a more resilient and productive agricultural landscape.