Effect of polymer coating on seed germination and the emergence of squash (Cucurbita pepo Zucchini)

Abstract

Polymer coating of zucchini seeds is a method to enhance seed performance during germination and emergence in the field and protect the seed from infection with diseases and insects. Experiments were conducted to identify the best method for polymer coating squash seed to improve seed germination and performance. In the first experiment, seeds were subjected to concentrations and durations of coating polymer (Discoshine Veg Red L-524 polymer) in combination with Gaucho® insecticide (Imidacloprid): 50% polymer for 40 s; 25% polymer for 40 s; 12.5% polymer for 40 s; 6.2% polymer for 40 s; 25% polymer for 40 s+10% Gaucho® insecticide, untreated seed as control. In the second experiment, seeds were exposed to different concentrations and durations. A standard germination test was run in the laboratory and seedling emergence percent and speed of emergence in a nursery. The results indicated that the best treatment was coating the seeds with 20-25% polymer for 40 s in combination with 4% Gaucho® insecticide, which had germination and seedling emergence above 90% and did not differ significantly from the control. In conclusion, thin-film coating treatments effectively delivered the insecticide safely without hurting seed germination and seedling emergence at the nursery.