DISEASE-FREE JUTE SEED PRODUCTION IN WEST BENGAL

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to explore the possibility of disease-free quality jute (Corchorus olitorious L.) seed production by altering the sowing dates and fungicide schedule. The data revealed that among seven dates of sowing mid-August sown crop resulted in least seed infection (1.7%) by Macrophomina phaseolina and seed discolouraton by various seed fungi. Other quality parameters like germination (88.2 - 91.50%) and seedling vigour also remain above the seed recommended standard (80%). Seed yield (13.2 q/ha) and yield attributes are also higher in mid-August sown crop than other dates of sowing. Foliar spraying of carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.02% at pod setting or pod maturation stage resulted in least seed infection (2.3%) and seed discolouraton which reflected on higher seed yield (11 q/ha) and yield attributes. The quality of seeds also improved due to foliar application of fungicide, carbendazim. Thus sowing of jute seed crop during August followed by foliar spraying of carbendazim 50WP @ 0.2% either at pod maturity or pod setting stage was most effective for maximization of quality jute seed with economic viability.