Effect of Seed Pelleting on Seedling Emergence, Plant Growth, Seed Yield and Quality Parameters in Mustard

Aims: The study aims to describe the process of application of botanical products by pelleting mustard seed prior to the time of sowing. These materials can be kept close to the seed by using botanical powder as a protective covering, allowing it to benefit from this nutrient intake for a longer time. Study Design: Experiments were conducted in CRD and RBD designs Place and Duration of Study: Department of Seed Science and Technology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, between October 2024 and February 2025. Methodology: This experiment comprised of pelleted seeds with botanicals such as Neem leaf powder, Tulsi leaf powder, Prosopis leaf powder, Tobacco leaf powder and Bio NPK at various concentrations. Unpelleted seeds were used as a control. Results: Highest germination (100%) recorded in treatment with Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, Tulsi leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, Tobacco leaf powder @ 200 g/kg and 400 g/kg, as well as Bio NPK @ 5 ml/kg, @ 10 ml/kg and 15 ml/kg. Seeds pelleted with Bio NPK @ 5 ml/kg recorded highest seedling root length (8.91 cm), seedling length (16.22 cm) and seedling vigour index I (1622.33). The treatment with Bio NPK @ 10 ml/kg resulted in the highest seedling fresh weight (0.78 g) and seeds per siliqua (17), while Bio NPK @ 15 ml/kg recorded the maximum seedling shoot length (7.47 cm), seedling dry weight (0.047 g), seedling vigour index II (4.67), field emergence (74%), siliqua length (5.99 cm) and seed yield per 10 m2 (5.75 kg). Maximum number of branches per plant (11) observed in seed pelleted with Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg and Tulsi leaf powder @ 400 g/kg. Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg pelleted seed recorded the highest 1000 seed weight (6.30 g) and seed yield per plant (83.59 g). The highest plant height (189.87 cm) was recorded in Prosopis leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, while the maximum number of siliquae per plant (859.67) was recorded in treatment with Tulsi leaf powder @ 200 g/kg. Conclusion: This study examined the effects of seed pelleting on mustard seed under lab and field conditions. This study examined the effects of seed pelleting on mustard under lab and field conditions. Treatments with Bio NPK and botanicals (Neem, Tulsi, Prosopis) improved germination, seedling vigour, growth and yield. Benefits were linked to better nutrient uptake and microbial activity. Excessive botanical doses caused phytotoxicity, highlighting the need for optimal levels.