Seed treatment
The advice below comes from each crop's guide — every item shows its source, region and date. It is pending expert review; ask your local officer whether it suits your area.
Crops with advice (46)
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Paddy3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Wet seed treatment against blast Treat 1 kg of seed in a solution of carbendazim, pyroquilon or tricyclazole at 2 g per litre of water, soaking the seeds for 10 hours, then drain the excess water. This wet seed treatment protects seedlings from diseases such as blast for up to 40 days, and is better than dry seed treatment. To sprout the seed, keep the soaked seed in a gunny bag in the dark, covered with extra gunnies, for 24 hours. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Seed treatment (a–c), p. 17
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with Pseudomonas Treat the seeds with talc-based Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed and soak in 1 litre of water overnight. Drain the excess water, let the seeds sprout for 24 hours, and then sow. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Seed treatment (d), p. 17
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed soaking Mix five packets (1 kg/ha) each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria, or five packets (1 kg/ha) of Azophos, with enough water and soak the seeds in it overnight before sowing in the nursery. The bacterial suspension left after draining can be poured over the nursery. Bio-control agents and biofertilizers can be mixed for seed soaking, but fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Seed treatment (e), p. 17
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Maize2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment against downy mildew Treat the seed with metalaxyl or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed for the control of downy mildew and crazy top. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize (irrigated) – Seed treatment (step 2), p. 108
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed treatment Seeds treated with fungicide may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize (irrigated) – Seed treatment (step 3), p. 108
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Jowar2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed hardening for better germination Seed hardening ensures high germination. Soak the seeds in an equal volume of 2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution for 6 hours, then dry them back to their original moisture content in the shade before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Rainfed sorghum – Seed treatment (seed hardening), p. 74
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seeds with three packets of Azospirillum (600 g) and three packets of phosphobacteria, or six packets of Azophos (1200 g per hectare). Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Rainfed sorghum – Seed treatment (iii), p. 74
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Red gram3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed, or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed. Bio-control agents are compatible with biofertilizers: first treat the seeds with the bio-control agent and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Seed treatment, p. 127
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Seed treatment, p. 127
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with biofertilizers Seeds treated with fungicide or bio-control agents should be treated again with bacterial culture after 24 hours. Treat the seed needed for one hectare with 200 g each of Rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) using rice gruel, and shade-dry before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, mix 2 kg each of Rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria and PGPR with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and apply uniformly before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Treatment of the seeds with biofertilizer, p. 127
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Groundnut3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents Treat the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed. Treat with bio-control agents first and then with Rhizobium. Seeds treated with bio-control agents should not be treated with fungicides. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Seed treatment (i), p. 186
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with thiram or mancozeb at 4 g per kg of seed, or carboxin or carbendazim at 2 g per kg of seed. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Seed treatment (iii), p. 186
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with biofertilizers Treat the seed for one hectare with 125 ml of Rhizobium and 125 ml of phosphobacteria (liquid), and shade-dry for 30 minutes before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Seed treatment (iv), p. 186
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cotton2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agent and biofertilizers Treat delinted seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed. Treat with the bio-control agent first and then with biofertilizers: 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum and 3 packets (600 g) of phosphobacteria, or 6 packets (1200 g) of Azophos, and sow immediately. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cotton – Pre-treatment of delinted seeds, p. 261
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat delinted seed with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cotton – Pre-treatment of delinted seeds, p. 261
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Chilli2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed rate and nursery Seed rate: 1.0 kg per hectare for varieties and 200–250 g per hectare for hybrids. Nursery area: 100 m² for one hectare. Sow treated seed in lines 10 cm apart in raised nursery beds, cover with sand, and water daily with a rose can. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Chilli – Seed rate, nursery area & nursery, p. 73
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Chilli – Seed treatment, p. 73
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Tomato3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Protected nursery in pro-trays For one hectare, prepare a 3-cent nursery area with a 2% slope, covered with 50% shade net, with 40/50 mesh insect-proof nylon net on the sides. Fill pro-trays with sterilised cocopeat (300 kg mixed with 5 kg neem cake and 1 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria) and sow one treated seed per cell. Stack the trays and cover with polythene until germination starts; after six days, place them on raised beds inside the shade net. Water daily with a rose can, and drench with NPK 19:19:19 at 0.5% (5 g per litre) 18 days after sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Protected nursery, p. 57
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Just before sowing, treat the seeds with Azospirillum at 40 g per 400 g of seed. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Seed treatment, p. 57
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Seed treatment, p. 57
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Marigold1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Azospirillum (200 g in 50 ml of rice gruel) before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Marigold – Propagation and planting, p. 258
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Wheat1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. (Carboxin at 2 g/kg is also listed.) Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Wheat – Seed treatment with fungicides, p. 122
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Finger millet3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Nursery for transplanting For one hectare, select 12.5 cents (500 m²) near a water source where water does not stagnate. Spread 37.5 kg of super phosphate mixed with 500 kg of FYM, and plough well. Form raised beds of 3 m x 1.5 m with 30 cm channels. Broadcast 5 kg of treated seed in shallow rills (not deeper than 1 cm), cover lightly, and sprinkle 500 kg of powdered FYM. Do not sow deep, and do not let cracks form. Pull out seedlings on the 17th–20th day. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Preparation of nursery, pp. 92–93
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seed with 3 packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum and 3 packets (600 g/ha) of phosphobacteria, or 6 packets (1200 g/ha) of Azophos. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Pre-treatment of seeds, p. 92
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Mix the seed in a polythene bag for an even coating with thiram 4 g/kg, captan 4 g/kg or carbendazim 2 g/kg of seed. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Pre-treatment of seeds, p. 92
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Foxtail millet1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and field preparation Seed rate: 10 kg/ha for line sowing or 12.5 kg/ha broadcast; use of a gorru or seed drill is recommended. Plough thoroughly with a small iron or country plough to a fine tilth. Line spacing for tenai: 22.5 x 10 cm (10 cm between plants). Thin before 20 days after sowing. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Small millets – Package of practices for Tenai, p. 120
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Little millet1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and field preparation Seed rate: 10 kg/ha for line sowing or 12.5 kg/ha broadcast; use of a gorru or seed drill is recommended. Plough thoroughly with a small iron or country plough to a fine tilth. Line spacing for samai: 25 x 10 cm (10 cm between plants). Thin before 20 days after sowing. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Small millets – Package of practices for Samai, pp. 120–121
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Kodo millet1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and field preparation Seed rate: 10 kg/ha for line sowing or 12.5 kg/ha broadcast; use of a gorru or seed drill is recommended. Plough thoroughly with a small iron or country plough to a fine tilth. Line spacing for varagu: 45 x 10 cm (10 cm between plants). Thin before 20 days after sowing. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Small millets – Package of practices for Varagu, p. 121
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Bengal gram2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria, using rice kanji as binder; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, apply 2 kg each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Seed treatment & biofertilizer, p. 163
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Seed treatment, p. 163
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Green gram2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents and biofertilizers Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. For one hectare of seed, use 200 g each of Rhizobium, phosphobacteria and PGPR with rice gruel and shade-dry before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, mix 2 kg each of these with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and apply before sowing. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Greengram – Seed treatment, pp. 145–146
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Greengram – Seed treatment, p. 145
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Black gram2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. For one hectare of seed, use 200 g each of Rhizobium, phosphobacteria and PGPR with rice gruel, and shade-dry before sowing. Seed treatment protects seedlings from seed-borne pathogens, root rot and seedling diseases. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Blackgram – Seed treatment, p. 137
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Blackgram – Seed treatment, p. 137
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Horse gram2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seeds with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria using rice kanji as binder, and shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, apply 10 packets of phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Horsegram – Seed treatment with biofertilizer, p. 159
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Horsegram – Seed treatment with fungicides, p. 159
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cowpea1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria using rice kanji as binder; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If fungicide is used instead, leave at least 24 hours before the biofertilizer treatment. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cowpea – Seed treatment & biofertilizer, p. 154
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Field bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium culture (three packets are enough for one hectare), prepared with rice kanji; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If a fungicide (carbendazim or thiram at 2 g/kg) is used instead, leave at least 24 hours before the bacterial culture. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Field lab-lab – Seed treatment, p. 172
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sesame1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seed with Trichoderma at 4 g/kg just before sowing (such seed should not be treated with fungicides). Treat one hectare of seed with 600 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 600 g Azophos), and apply 2 kg of each with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg sand to the soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Seed treatment; application of Azospirillum, pp. 200–201
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sunflower2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment For rainfed sowing, soak seeds in 2% ZnSO4 for 12 hours and shade-dry. Treat seed with Trichoderma at 4 g/kg just before sowing (do not also use fungicides). Treat the seed for one hectare with 600 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 600 g Azophos) using rice gruel, shade-dry for 30 minutes and sow immediately. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sunflower – Seed treatment, p. 218
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide; storing seed Alternatively, treat seed with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g/kg, 24 hours before sowing. Seed dried to 8–9% moisture, treated with thiram at 2 g/kg and packed in polythene-lined cloth bags can be stored for up to 9 months with 70% germination. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sunflower – Seed treatment (ii, vi), p. 218
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Safflower1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with fungicide Treat the safflower seed with carbendazim or thiram at 4 g per kg of seed in a polythene bag for an even coating, 24 hours before sowing. This protects young seedlings from root rot. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Safflower – Pre-treatment of seeds with fungicides, p. 225
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Soybean2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. At least 24 hours before sowing, treat the seed for one hectare with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3 packets (600 g) of phosphobacteria using rice kanji, and shade-dry for 15 minutes. Coating seed with ZnSO4 at 300 mg/kg (using 10% maida solution as adhesive) increases field stand. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Soyabean – Seed treatment with biofertilizer; zinc coating, pp. 174–175
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with fungicide Alternatively, treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram at 2 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Soyabean – Seed treatment with fungicides, p. 174
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Niger1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with fungicide Treat the niger seed with carbendazim or thiram at 4 g per kg of seed in a polythene bag for an even coating, 24 hours before sowing. This protects young seedlings from root rot. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Niger – Pre-treatment of seeds with fungicides, p. 250
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Brinjal1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, and with Azospirillum at 40 g per 400 g of seed using rice gruel as adhesive. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Brinjal – Seed treatment, p. 63
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Okra1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with 400 g of Azospirillum using starch as adhesive, and dry in shade for 20 minutes. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bhendi – Seed treatment, p. 69
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Onion1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seed with Azospirillum using rice gruel as adhesive and dry in shade for 30 minutes before sowing. Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg of seed is also listed. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Seed rate & sowing; seed treatment, pp. 151–152
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cabbage1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed and nursery Seed rate: 650 g/ha (250 g/ha for hybrids raised in protrays). Treat seed in hot water at 50 °C for 30 minutes; 25 g Azospirillum treats 250 g of seed. Nursery: 100 m² per hectare, with 300 kg FYM, 10 kg of 9:9:9 mixture, 50 g sodium molybdate and 100 g borax. Sow in rows 10 cm apart on raised beds. Seedlings are ready in 40–45 days (about 25 days in protrays). Avoid land with club root disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cabbage – Seed rate; nursery; seed treatment, p. 119
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cauliflower1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed and nursery Seed rate: 375 g/ha (250 g/ha for hybrids in protrays). Treat seed in hot water at 50 °C for 30 minutes; 25 g Azospirillum treats 250 g of seed. Nursery: 100 m² per hectare with 300 kg FYM, 10 kg of 9:9:9 mixture, 50 g sodium molybdate and 100 g borax; sow in rows 10 cm apart on raised beds. Transplant 25-day-old (early varieties) or 45-day-old (late varieties) seedlings. Avoid land with club root disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cauliflower – Nursery; seed rate; seed treatment, pp. 124–125
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Bottle gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and irrigation Seed rate: varieties 2 kg/ha, hybrid 1 kg/ha. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg (a fungicide option is also listed). Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2.5 x 2 m; sow 3 seeds per pit and thin to 2 after 15 days. Irrigate before sowing, then weekly. With drip, 15-day-old seedlings from protrays or polybags are planted on 120 cm raised beds. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bottle gourd – Season and sowing; seed rate; preparation of field; irrigation, p. 89
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Bitter gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and irrigation Seed rate: varieties 2.2 kg/ha, hybrid 1.5 kg/ha. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg (a fungicide option is also listed). Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2 x 1.5 m and form basins; sow 3 seeds per pit and thin to 2 after 15 days. Irrigate before sowing, then weekly. Raising seedlings in small polybags (10 x 10 cm) and transplanting at 15 days gives earlier harvest and fewer gaps. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bitter gourd – Season and sowing; seed rate; preparation of field; quality seedling production, p. 92
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Ridge gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and irrigation Seed rate: varieties 2 kg/ha, hybrids 1 kg/ha. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg. Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2.5 x 2 m and form basins; sow 3 seeds per pit and thin to 2 after 15 days. Irrigate before sowing, then weekly. For hybrids with drip, the source gives 45 cm pits at 1.5 m between rows and 2 m between plants; seedlings raised in polybags for 15 days can also be planted. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ribbed gourd – Seed rate; preparation of field; irrigation; sowing, pp. 86–87
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Snake gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing and irrigation Seed rate: 1.5 kg/ha. Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2.5 x 2 m and form basins. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg (a fungicide option is also listed). Sow 3 seeds per pit; thin to 2 after 15 days. Irrigate the basins before sowing, then once a week. With drip, 12-day-old protray seedlings are planted 60 cm apart on 120 cm raised beds. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Snake gourd – Season and sowing; seed rate; preparation of field; irrigation, p. 84
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Pumpkin1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Seed rate: 1.0 kg/ha. Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2 x 2 m. Soak seeds in twice their volume of water for 30 minutes; treat with Azospirillum just before sowing. Sow 3 seeds per pit and thin to 2 plants per pit after 15 days. In protected nurseries, 12-day-old seedlings from 98-cell protrays with cocopeat are planted. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Season and sowing; seed rate; spacing, p. 82
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cluster bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Seed rate: 10 kg/ha. Treat seed with Rhizobium culture (600 g/ha) using rice gruel as a binder and dry in shade for 15–30 minutes before sowing. Form ridges and furrows 45 cm apart and dibble seeds on the sides of ridges 15 cm apart (45 x 15 cm). Give stakes to the MDU 1 variety. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cluster bean – Season and sowing; seed rate; seed treatment; preparation of field, p. 107
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
French bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Plains: 50 kg/ha, 2 seeds per hill at 45 x 30 cm on the sides of ridges after two ploughings. Hills: 80 kg/ha at 30 x 15 cm in lines or beds, with FYM dug in. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg a day before sowing (fungicide options are also listed), and with Rhizobium where beans are grown for the first time. Irrigate after sowing, on the 3rd day, then weekly. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), French bean – Sowing; seed rate and spacing; preparation of field, p. 111
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Dolichos bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Treat seed with Rhizobium culture (600 g/ha) using rice gruel as a binder and dry in shade for 15–30 minutes before sowing. Bush type: 25 kg/ha, one seed every 30 cm on one side of ridges 60 cm apart. Pandal type: 5 kg/ha, 2–3 seeds per pit at 2 x 3 m, in 30 cm pits filled with FYM and soil (1 x 1 m for CO 1). Irrigate after sowing, on the 3rd day, then weekly. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Lab lab or Dolichos bean – Rhizobial treatment; seed rate and sowing; preparation of field, p. 109
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Capsicum1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Nursery and transplanting Seed rate: varieties 1.25 kg/ha, hybrids 200 g/ha; nursery area about 3 cents per hectare. In a protected nursery (50% shade net, insect-proof side net), sow one seed per cell in 98-cell protrays with cocopeat mixed with neem cake, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. Transplant 40–45-day-old seedlings 30 cm apart on ridges 45 or 60 cm apart; with drip, use a 90 x 60 x 60 cm paired-row system on 120 cm raised beds. Fill gaps on the 7th day. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Capsicum – Seed rate; nursery; protected nursery; preparation of field, pp. 78–79
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Sweet potato1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Planting vine cuttings Use terminal vine cuttings 10–15 cm long with 2–3 nodes, from vines at least 3 months old — about 80,000 per hectare, planted 20 cm apart on ridges 60 cm apart (or beds). Dip the cuttings in a solution of 400 g Azospirillum in water before planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sweetpotato – Season and planting; preparation of field, p. 138
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Tapioca1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Setts and spacing Take setts from healthy, mosaic-free, vigorous plants: 15 cm long with 8–10 nodes, from the middle of the stem, with an even cut and no damage. Dip setts for 20 minutes in Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (30 g/l each). Plant upright, buds pointing up, on the sides of ridges. Spacing: irrigated 75 x 75 cm or 90 x 90 cm; rainfed 60 x 60 cm. Plough 4–5 times. (Chemical sett dips against rot and scale insects are also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tapioca – Season and planting; preparation of field, p. 139
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Turmeric1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Rhizome treatment Treat seed rhizomes with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg and Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Turmeric – Seed treatment, p. 171
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cardamom1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Raising plants and spacing Collect seeds from healthy, high-yielding plants (600 g/ha of fresh seed). The source gives an acid seed treatment before sowing — do this only with guidance from your officer. Sow in beds of rotted cattle manure, wood ash and jungle soil, cover with fine sand, mulch, shade and keep moist; germination starts after a month. Move one-year-old seedlings to a shaded secondary nursery at 20 x 20 cm and transplant at 18–22 months. Suckers from high-yielding plants can also be multiplied in clonal nurseries. Plant in 60 cm pits filled with compost and topsoil (contour planting on slopes): Mysore type 3 x 3 m, Malabar 2 x 2 m, Vazhukka 2.4 x 2.4 m. Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cardamom – Seeds and sowing; secondary nursery; propagation from suckers; spacing, pp. 168–169
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Cashew1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Propagation and planting Propagate by softwood grafting, air layering or epicotyl grafting. For the nursery, soak seed nuts in water for 12–24 hours and use only those that sink. Dig 45 x 45 x 45 cm pits and fill with soil, 10 kg FYM and 1 kg neem cake. Spacing: 7 m each way (200 plants/ha); high-density planting at 5 x 4 m (500 plants/ha), pruning interlocking branches in July–August. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cashew – Seed treatment; propagation; preparation of field; spacing, p. 201
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sugarcane1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Selecting and treating setts Take seed material from a 6–7-month-old crop free from pests and diseases. Detrash by hand, cut setts with a sharp knife or sett cutter without splits, and discard setts with damaged or sprouted buds. Dip the setts for one hectare for 30 minutes in a slurry of 2 kg Azospirillum (or Gluconacetobacter), 2 kg phosphobacteria and 2 kg SSB before planting. Aerated steam at 50°C for one hour controls primary infection of grassy shoot disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sugarcane – Preparation of setts; sett treatment, p. 291
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Subabul1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment and sowing Plough well and form ridges and furrows. FYM 25 t/ha; without a soil test, NPK 10:60:30 kg/ha at sowing. Seeds are hard: scarify by pounding with sand, or pour just-boiled water over them for 3–4 minutes and then soak overnight in cold water, or soak in plain water for 72 hours. Treat with Rhizobium and phosphobacteria (600 g each). Seed rate 10 kg/ha; spacing 2 x 1 m. (An acid scarification method is also listed.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Leucaena – Preparatory cultivation; nutrient management; sowing, pp. 337–338
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05