Effect of Surface Protectants on Seed Germination and Vigour of Stored Pulses.

The three plant products i.e Neem seed kernel powder, Vekhand powder, Econeem plus @ 2.5 and 5, g or ml/kg seeds and four oils i.e Neem oil, Karanj oil, Castor oil, Groundnut oil @ 2.5 and 5 ml/kg seeds and one chemical treatment, Deltamethrin @ 0.04 ml/kg seeds tested each up to 180 days of storage against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) infesting stored pigeon pea seeds. The deltamethrin used @ 0.04 ml per kg seeds was excellent surface protectants for pigeon pea seeds in view of relatively, highest germination, vigour index, dry matter,. Among the plant products and oils treatments i.e Karanj oil, Neem oil and Econeem plus @ 2.5 and 5 ml per kg seeds observed better but comparatively inferior than Deltamethrin. The treatment with castor oil and Groundnut oil @ 2.5 ml/kg seeds, Vekhand powder and Neem seed kernel powder@ 2.5 and 5 g/kg seeds, has also been noticed as next best surface protectants against Callosobruchus chinensis.