Residual Impact of Triazophos on the germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Var. Lok-1

Abstract

Increased demand for food and fiber has lead to the chemicalization of agriculture with an increased input of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides for amplified returns. It is estimated that India approximately looses 18 % of crop yield valued at Rs.900 billion due to pest attacks, against which specific pest management chemicals are applied frequently. Present study evaluates the effect of Triazophos (Organophosphorous broad spectrum insecticide and acricide) on the germination of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Var. Lok-1. The pesticide is mostly used on Soyabean for pest suppression; its residual nature can influence the subsequent germination of the cereal crop and diminish the returns there from. The effect of two concentrations of Triazophos, 0.5% and 1%, were assessed for a period of 14 days on the germination of Wheat seeds. Compared with the control, the results showed a significant decrease in the rate of germination with the increasing concentration of the pesticide. Also germination time increased drastically when compared with control.

Key words: Triazophos, agriculture, Pest suppression, Residual nature