Abstract
In seed technology, the use of biocompatible materials, such as chitosan, has been demonstrated to improve the germination process and establishment of seedlings. This research is focused on the effect of a chitosan coating on the germination and development of sesame and bean plantlets. The seeds were treated with different coating techniques and combinations of chitosan: chitosan solutions at 0.1, 0.5 and 1% were used in film coating, chitosan flakes with particle sizes of 1.19 mm and 0.71 mm were used as a crusted coating, and chitosan flakes with a size of 1.19 mm were used for coating with acrylic resin. Images of the coatings were obtained by means of scanning electron microscopy; the effect on germination, germination speed, vigor index, length and root area of plantlets were also determined. Chitosan treatments increased germination by 26% in bean and 16% in sesame compared with the control; the germination speed index showed an increase of 61% in bean and 58% in sesame. The treatments with chitosan increased the length of the root in bean by 77%, and in sesame four times more, compared with the control treatments. Different forms of chitosan coatings improve germination and seedling establishment; however, the response to the type of coating at a given stage of seedling development will depend on the crop species.
Highlights
Chitosan (Ch) is a widely used biopolymer in the agricultural industry; its application is determined according to its properties, such as the degree of deacetylation and molecular weight
CSD and CDA treatments showed chitosan flakes that were adhered in a dispersed way; this was attributed to the size of chitosan flakes
The importance of the uniformity of coatings is essential to ensure seed protection, the permanence of active ingredients and their mechanical properties. Studies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provide data on the characteristics of continuity and structure of coatings; as has been reported for the characterization of chitosan coatings in artichoke seeds where a smooth, homogeneous cover is reported, in addition to a shine given by the chitosan film [22]
Summary
Chitosan (Ch) is a widely used biopolymer in the agricultural industry; its application is determined according to its properties, such as the degree of deacetylation and molecular weight. The application of Ch as a coating might influence the way in which the seed comes into contact with Ch, for example, Ch applied to wheat seeds using the priming technique increased their germination by 18%, germination rate by 53% and seedling vigor by 27% [17]. It was reported that the priming treatment with nanoparticle chitosan showed harmful effects on germination and seedling growth [18]. In pearl millet seed primed with chitosan, an increased germination rate and vigor were reported (13% and 18%, respectively) [20]. In chitosan film coatings on bean seeds, a 10% increase in germination and a 7% germination speed increase were reported [21]. An increase in germination of 13% was shown [23]
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