Q.Discuss the importance of neem in seed storage?

Step 1. The chapter's traditional seed protection methods (9.9.1) list neem leaf powder among the materials — along with fine red soil, chilli powder, bittergourd powder and Pongamia leaf extract — that seeds are coated with before short-duration storage.

Step 2. Neem is valued in this role because its natural compounds (well known botanically for insecticidal and antifungal activity, such as azadirachtin) discourage storage insects and inhibit microbial growth on the seed surface, keeping stored seed viable without synthetic pesticides. …

Connect neem's listed use in traditional seed protection to its natural pest- …

• Treating neem only as a manure/fertilizer source and missing its specific, separately listed role in traditional seed protection. …