Brachiaria coated seed storage treated with fungicide and insecticide

The quality of seed is crucial to the success of pasture formation. Thus the aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of Brachiaria decumbens seeds pelleted and treated with fungicides and insecticides during storage. The seeds were treated with thiabendazole at a dosage of 200mL 100kg(-1) of seeds, with fipronil at a dosage of 500mL 100kg(-1) of seeds and a mixture of both (in the same dosages) and some was not subjected to such treatment (control). Subsequently the seeds were coated using a mixture of sand, microcellulose and glue Cascorex - PVA (20%). After coating the seeds were stored under ambient conditions (21.9 degrees C and 68% of relative humidity) for 12 months. Seeds were evaluated initially and every four months, through the following determinations: moisture, germination index, germination speed, emergence test, and emergence speed index. The coating of the Brachiaria decumbens seeds with sand and microcellulose decrease the rate and speed of germination and seedling emergence during storage. The seed of the Brachiaria decumbens cv. 'Basilisk' treated with fipronil, thiabendazole, or both, should not be stored for more than eight months.