Biological seed coating entails a novel method of seed treatment, involving the application of biological agents on the seed exterior to manage both seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens and also improve the seed vigour. It is a process of applying useful materials to form a continuous layer of thin coating over the seed without altering its shape or size by employing water as the solvent. By encasing the seed within a thin film of biodegradable polymer, the adherence of seed treatment to the seed is improved. The fluctuating and uneven rainfall patterns with changing environmental conditions, negatively impact the establishment of crops and affect the seed quality. In order to address that, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of seaweed coating on physiological seed quality and biochemical parameters in the laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, AC & RI Madurai during 2023. The treatments encompassing control, T1-10mlkg-1, T2-15mlkg-1, T3-20mlkg-1, T4-25mlkg-1 and T5-30mlkg-1. Coated seeds were evaluated for seed quality and biochemical parameters. The result of the present investigation revealed that, seeds that are coated @ 20mlkg-1 were found to be superior in terms of seed quality and biochemical parameters.

Seaweed, coating, formulation, vigour, seed quality and biochemical parameters

Among the treatments, seeds coated @ 20mlkg-1 recorded better results on physiological and biochemical parameters. It can be concluded that seaweed coated seeds @ 20mlkg-1 could be effective and can be used as a pre sowing seed treatment.

A. Madhan Kumar, K. Sujatha, V. Alex Albert, G. Anand and M. L. Mini (2023). Bioefficacy of Seaweed Coating Formulation on Seed Quality and Biochemical Attributes in Barnyard Millet Var. MDU 1. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 474-477.