The study based on the seed treatment with protective and stimulating compositions is novel research with no previous work done in Kazakhstan and other regions worldwide. The phytopathological analysis revealed the fungal and bacterial infections in the samples of wheat and barley seeds cultured with nutrient media. The examined wheat and barley samples displayed contaminations with saprophytic and pathogenic microflora, and fungal infections were predominant. The wheat and barley seed treated with the protective-stimulating compositions Scarlet m.e. (micro emulsion), Tabu w.s.c. (water-suspension concentrate), and potassium humate significantly suppressed the infections caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. They also enhanced plant resistance to damage caused by soil-dwelling pests and positively influenced seed quality by promoting the growth and development of seedlings and their root systems. By using this formulation, the highest germination energy and seed viability rates resulted in wheat and barley seeds (99.3% and 98.0%, respectively). On the seventh day, seed infection declined by 96.7% (wheat) and 76.7% (barley) compared with the control, which had infection rates of 100% and 91.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the protective-stimulating compositions were cost-effective, reducing pesticide environmental loads due to their low application rates, demonstrating their potential for sustainable agricultural practices.
Wheat, barley, seed treatment, protective-stimulating compositions, soil-borne diseases and pests, germination, growth and development
The wheat and barley seed treatment with protective-stimulating compositions effectively suppressed the infections caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens and considerably enhanced their viability and germination energy.