3 Review(s)

Pusa Basmati 1718 , the new genetically modified seed is resistant to bacterial leaf blight (disease causing uneven growth and withering of plant) and owing to a shorter length, it prevented flattening of crop during rain, hailstorm or strong winds. It is a genetically modified rice seed of the PUSA 1121 basmati variety which now has additional genes to counter the disease. The yield of the new seed is also comparatively higher than the existing breeds of the basmati rice seed. Ripening of the seed also take lesser time than other seed varieties (approx 144 days ) . On an average, the yield from 8 kg of the 1718 basmati seed is 17-18 quintals of paddy sown in the one acre area as compare to PUSA 1121 basmati seed that yield 14 quintal of paddy from same area. 5 kg seed is sufficient for per acre of transplantation; Spacing (during transplanting): row to row 20 cm and plant to plant 20 cm. • Seed treatment is necessary before sowing• Two ways of seeds treatment – 1. Organic 2. Chemical based treatment1.Organic treatment – Wash seeds with water. Make slurry of cow dung and cow urine .Mix seeds in slurry and rub seeds with hands just to coat them with thin slurry layer. Make a cloth pouch or bag and place coated seeds in it and tie it properly.Maintain moisture of bag by sprinking water on it when required . When seeds got germinated ,they are ready for sowing.Make nursery bed and sow germinated seeds in that. After 25 days transplant seedlings. 2. Chemical based treatment – Fill a tub with 5 liter water and add 20 gms carbendazim and rest this mixture for half an hour. Add 1 gm stroptocycline in this mixture . Add 10 kgs of seeds in this mixture and rest for 24 hours. Make a cloth pouch or bag and place these treated seeds in it and tie it properly. Maintain moisture of bag by sprinking this mixture water on it when required When seeds got germinated ,they are ready for sowing.Make nursery bed and sow germinated seeds in that. After 25 days transplant seedlings.