Aside from potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), there are several commonly used fungicide treatments for Aquilaria malaccensis seed pre-treatment, especially in nursery or research settings. These help control fungal pathogens like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium, which can cause damping-off or seed rot.
Recommended Fungicide Options for Aquilaria Seed Pre-Treatment
1. Captan (e.g., Captan 50 WP)
- Dose: 2–3 grams per liter of water
- Soaking Time: 15–30 minutes
- Notes: Broad-spectrum contact fungicide; widely used for seed treatment.
2. Thiram (e.g., Thiram 75 WP)
- Dose: 2–3 grams per liter
- Soaking Time: 15–30 minutes
- Notes: Effective against seed and soil-borne fungi; do not overuse due to phytotoxicity risks.
3. Carbendazim (e.g., Bavistin 50 WP)
- Dose: 1 gram per liter
- Soaking Time: 10–20 minutes
- Notes: Systemic fungicide; highly effective against Fusarium spp.
4. Trichoderma-based biofungicides (eco-friendly alternative)
- Product: Commercial Trichoderma harzianum formulations
- Dose: As per label (usually 5–10 grams per liter)
- Soaking Time: 30 minutes
- Notes: Biocontrol agent; safer for long-term soil health; enhances seedling vigor.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) 3% Solution
- Dilution: 1 part H₂O₂ to 3 parts water
- Soaking Time: 10–15 minutes
- Notes: Also acts as a disinfectant; effective for small seed batches.
Best Practices for Fungicide Use
- Always use clean, non-chlorinated water.
- Rinse seeds with clean water after chemical fungicide soaking (optional for biofungicides).
- Wear protective gloves and work in shaded areas during treatment.
- Avoid soaking for longer than recommended to prevent seed damage.