The effect of seed treatments on the yield and yield components of various levels of sprouted wheat

The effect of seed treatments was determined on various levels of sprouted wheat seeds intended for planting in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. Five groups of wheat seeds, varying in sprouting levels, were treated with a combination of either imidacloprid and carboxim + thiram, or imidacloprid and triticonazole. Trials were planted with these seeds directly after treatment, as well as after storage periods of 12 and 24 months. Seed treatments did not have an effect on sound seeds, but after 24 months of storage, germination and emergence were significantly lower in the sprouted seeds and resulted in lower yields. Seeds treated with imidacloprid and triticonazole had higher yields than seeds treated with imidacloprid and carboxim + thiram. Seeds without any treatment resulted in lower yields compared with seeds that had been treated. However, seeds that have been sprouted, should not be treated, as direct exposure of embryos to the chemicals of the seed treatment, may harm the embryos resulting in poor emergence and seedling stand.