Rainfed rice - IRRI books - International Rice Research Institute

RAINFED RICE A SOURCEBOOK OF BEST PRACTICES AND STRATEGIES IN EAST-ERN INDIA
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Turmeric treatment for seed-borne
diseases
Turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.) has long been used
as a germicidal ingredient. The powder of the
dried rhizome of turmeric is an effective
fungicide used as a systemic seed dresser.
Turmeric belongs to the family Zinziberaceae. It grows well under diverse
agro-climatic conditions in wastelands, drought-prone areas, and garden or
orchard shade. Once the rhizomes are planted, they grow year after year.
Besides the essential oil, turmeric powder also contains other chemicals such
as 0.6% difeluroloyl methane, C 21 H 20 O 6 and sesquiterpenes, of which
C 13 H 2 O is the main active ingredient. When a small quantity of sodium
bicarbonate is added to turmeric powder, the ingredient easily enters the
seed and plant system, making it more potent to the fungal and bacterial
population.
Farmers can safely use turmeric
powder as a fungicide and bactericide
as it is non-hazardous, cheap and
ecologically friendly. For treating
10 kg paddy seed, dress it with 100 g
turmeric powder and 10 g sodium
bicarbonate. A pinch of asafoetida
(not more than 1 g) will make it more
effective as a foliar spray.
Neem - a farmer's friend
Neem ( Azadiracta indica ) is commonly found in all parts of India as it grows on all types of
soil. All parts of this tree have valuable properties. Neem cake works as a fertiliser as it
increases nitrogen recovery from 28% to 47%. Neem-coated urea is well known for its slow
release of nitrogen to the crop.
Neem is effective as an antifeedant, growth retarder, repellent and toxicant. In rice, neem oil,
neem seed, kernel extract and neem cake extract control brown planthopper, green
leafhopper, leaffolder and gall midge. It is also used to treat seeds at 1 g/kg of seed, and to
check storage pests.
Neem tree parts
and pesticides
from neem