Project Abstract

Abstract
Seed treatment with synthetic pesticides is a common agricultural practice aimed at protecting seeds from pests and diseases during the crucial germination and early growth stages of the plant. The effect of seed treatment with synthetic pesticides on crop yield and quality has been a topic of interest for researchers, farmers, and policymakers. This study investigates the impact of seed treatment with synthetic pesticides on various aspects of crop production, including seed germination rate, seedling vigor, pest and disease control, and ultimately crop yield and quality. The research was conducted over multiple growing seasons in different regions to account for variations in environmental conditions and pest pressure. Results from the study indicate that seed treatment with synthetic pesticides generally led to improved seed germination rates and enhanced seedling vigor compared to untreated seeds. The synthetic pesticides effectively controlled a wide range of pests and diseases, resulting in healthier plants throughout the growing season. Furthermore, the use of synthetic pesticides in seed treatment was found to have a positive impact on crop yield, with treated crops consistently outperforming untreated crops in terms of both quantity and quality. The increase in yield was attributed to the protection provided by the pesticides against pest damage and disease pressure, allowing the plants to reach their full yield potential. However, the study also highlighted some potential drawbacks of seed treatment with synthetic pesticides, including environmental concerns such as pesticide runoff and the development of pesticide resistance in pest populations. These issues underscore the importance of implementing integrated pest management strategies to minimize the negative effects of synthetic pesticides on the environment and to ensure the long-term sustainability of crop production. In conclusion, seed treatment with synthetic pesticides can be a valuable tool for farmers to protect their crops from pests and diseases, ultimately leading to improved crop yield and quality. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of synthetic pesticides and to adopt sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate any adverse effects on the environment and human health.

Project Overview

Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm ofthe Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka to comparethe activity of Cassia alata leaf extract with two synthetic chemicalfungicides applied as seed treatment on the field performance of Nsukkayellow pepper. Four accessions of Nsukka yellow pepper seeds were treatedwith Apron plus 50 Ds (34% furathiocarb + 10% metalaxyl + 6%carboxine) and Thiram (tetramety1 thioperoxydicarbonic diamide) each atthe rate of 30g/100kg of seeds while Cassia alata extracts was used fortreatment at the rate of 1ml/100g of seeds. The seedlings were transplantedinto the field 42 days after planting. Data were collected on agronomic

parameters.

Cassia alata compared favourably well with the syntheticchemical fungicide in all the agronomic parameters measured. There wereno significant differences between the effects of Cassia alata and thesynthetic fungicides on plant height at 50% anthesis, number of branchesand number of days to first anthesis. Cassia alata produced better result anddiffered significantly (p=0.05) with the synthetic chemicals in quantitativecharacter, such as number of leaves at 50% anthesis and number of flowersper plant. The leaf abscission rate was significantly (p=0.05) lower in Cassiaalata treated plants (10.1%) compared with Apron plus 50 Ds (10.32%) orThiram (11.79%). Cassia alata also reduced the number of days to 50%anthesis and number of days to first fruiting (111.7 and 112.7). Evidences inthis study show that, Cassia alata extract has potential as seed dressing

pesticide for Nsukka yellow pepper seeds.