This document discusses various techniques for enhancing seed quality in vegetable crops. It describes seed hydration/priming techniques like pre-hydration, osmopriming, and bio-priming which allow seeds to imbibe water and begin germination processes without radicle emergence. Studies showed priming with KNO3 improved germination and seedling vigor of tomato cultivars compared to controls or priming with PEG or NaCl. The document also covers seed coating techniques like pelleting and film coating and integrated seed enhancement approaches.

1. Speaker : Amirullah Mokhles
(A-2015-30-073)
Trends in Enhancing Seed Quality of Vegetable
Crops
Credit Seminar (VSC-591)

2. SEED STORAGE
CONCLUSION
INTEGRATED TECHNIQUES
SEED COAT TECHNIQUES (FILM
COATING & PELLETING)
HYDRATION TECHNIQES (PRE-
HYDRATION & PRIMING)
PRINCIPLES

3.  Although seed quality is governed by genetic make-up, the
quality of seeds may deteriorate in subsequent stages like
harvesting, threshing, processing and storage period.
 Poor seed handling condition gives rise to deterioration of seed
quality and results in the loss of viability.
 This greatly affects seed vigour, which ultimately gives poor
performance in field and the seed is not able to meet the
quality standards prescribed for that crop.
Introduction
3

4.  Environmental conditions not favorable at the time of seed
formation, mishandling during harvesting, processing and
storage and unfavorable storage conditions with high moisture
and temperature which increases seed ageing.
 Hence, some physical and chemical operations are
performed with the seeds between processing to storage time to
overcome these problems.
 Seed enhancement improves hygiene and mechanical
properties, breaking of dormancy, synchronize germination,
apply of nutrients and impart stress tolerance.
4

5. Seed Quality Enhancement
 Seed enhancement may be defined as post-harvest
treatments that improve germination and seedling growth or
facilitate the delivery of seeds and other materials required
at the time of sowing.
Definition
5
Mandal et al., 2015

6.  Problematic seed
 High value seed
 Specific planting technique
 Biotic stresses
 Direct seeding
 Adverse climatic conditions
Where & When It Is Needed :
6

7.  Recorded references in Vedas and Bible Coated and
pelleted seeds traced in Egyptian pyramids.
 China farmers use to coat paddy seeds with mud balls
while sowing in flooded fields.
 Our ancestors use to practices it.
 Application of ash, mud or
cow dung slurry on seeds.
HISTORY
7

8. Seed Quality Enhancement Techniques
1. Seed hydration technology (pre hydration,
priming)
2. Seed coating (pelleting, film coating)
3. Integrated seed enhancement
8

9. Seed hydration technology / Seed hardening
 It is a process of soaking the seeds in water or dilute solution
of growth regulating compounds to induce early
germination.
 Better root growth and seedling growth and also enhances
the yield potential of the crop variety.
TYPES OF HYDRATIONS
1. Pre-hydration [ a). Seed fortification b). Seed infusion ]
2. Priming [a). Osmo conditioning b). Halo priming c). Bio
priming d). Hydro priming e). Solid Matrix Priming ]
9

10. Principles involved in seed hydration
Dry seed
Imbibition
Dehydration
Prevent cell and radical emergence
Shade / sundried to bring back to its original water content
Stops the germination process
Hardened seed
Sowing 10

11.  It is pre hydration technique, seeds are soaked either in water or
dilute solution of bioactive chemicals such as micro nutrients,
growth regulators, vitamins and seed protectants.
 It is a method of impregnation of seeds with bioactive
chemicals through organic solvents instead of water.
 This technique of infusion which helps to avoid the damage
caused to the seed due to soaking in water.
 Hence this method is highly suitable to the seeds that suffer
from soaking or seed coat injury (pulses).
Seed fortification
Seed infusion
11
(Halmer, 2006)

12.  Faster water Imbibition.
Imbibition causes swelling of seeds.
Pre hydration promotes early germination and good crop stand.
Toxicity of chemicals.
Limited O2 supply to seed.
Disadvantage in handling large quantity of seed.
Disadvantages of Pre hydration
Advantages of Pre hydration
12

13. Studies Seed Fortification of
Solanaceous Vegetable crops
13

14. Treatment
Germination
%
Dry matter production
( Mg seedligs-10 )
Vigour index
Control 58.05 11.28 807
Water 58.69 11.41 833
Cowpea extract 2% 61.34 11.83 890
Horse gram extract 3% 60.00 11.70 872
Bone meal extract 2% 60.66 11.82 899
Gelatin 1000ppm 66.42 12.51 1051
KH2PO4 1% 64.89 12.40 1017
KNO3 2% 67.21 12.67 1078
ZnSO4 0.1% 60.00 11.77 883
FeSO4 0.2% 60.66 11.90 899
NaSO4 0.1% 60.00 11.62 866
MnSO4 0.2% 62.72 11.88 939
IBA 100ppm 60.00 11.79 878
SA 200ppm 65.65 12.45 1033
Mean 62.02 11.93 925
S.Ed 1.439 0.053 17.72
C.D (P=0.5) 3.087** 0.114** 38**
Table 1: Effect of seed fortification on seed quality enhancement in Brinjal.
14(Ponnuswamy and Vijayalakshmi, 2011, Coimbatore)

15. Treatment Germination %
Dry matter production
(Mg seedligs-10 )
Vigour
index
Control 61.34 11.59 887
Water 63.43 12.32 980
Cowpea extract 2% 65.65 12.54 1034
Horse gram extract 3% 64.15 12.39 1004
Bone meal extract 2% 65.65 12.53 1034
Gelatin 1000ppm 68.02 12.86 1106
KH2PO4 1% 67.21 12.75 1084
KNO3 2% 68.86 12.96 1128
ZnSO4 0.1% 64.15 12.43 1001
FeSO4 0.2% 64.89 12.47 1017
NaSO4 0.1% 64.15 12.54 1010
MnSO4 0.2% 65.65 12.68 1046
IBA 100ppm 64.15 12.51 1007
SA 200ppm 67.21 12.87 1094
Mean 65.65 12.53 1031
S.Ed 1.017 0.0511 15.49
C.D (P=0.5) 2.18** 0.1095** 33.23**
Table-2: Effect of seed fortification on seed quality enhancement in Tomato
15(Ponnuswamy and Vijayalakshmi, 2011, Coimbatore)

16. Treatment Germination %
Dry matter production
( Mg seedligs-10 )
Vigour index
Control 54.33 11.11 734
Water 56.16 11.55 797
Cowpea extract 2% 58.05 11.74 846
Horse gram extract 3% 56.79 11.70 819
Bone meal extract 2% 58.05 11.79 843
Gelatin 1000ppm 60.00 12.55 946
KH2PO4 1% 60.00 12.52 939
KNO3 2% 61.34 12.64 967
FeSO4 0.2% 56.79 11.79 826
NaSO4 0.1% 54.16 11.93 823
IBA 100ppm 54.16 11.90 815
SA 200ppm 60.66 12.57 955
Mean 58.05 11.98 859
S.Ed 1.457 0.059 16.81
C.D (P=0.5) 3.17** 0.12** 36.64**
Table-3: Effect of seed fortification on seed quality enhancement in Chilli
16
(Ponnuswamy and Vijayalakshmi, 2011, Coimbatore)

17.  It is a presowing treatment in which seeds are soaked in
osmotic solution that allows the seeds to imbibe water and go
through the first stages of germination but does not permit
radicle protrusion through the seed coat.
 It is based on the principle of controlled imbibition, to a level
that permits pre germination metabolism to proceed, but
prevents actual emergence of radicle.
Seed Priming
17
(Girolamo and Barbanti 2012 Italian)

18.  It is achieved by continuous or successive addition of limited
amount of water to the seeds which is cheap and useful
technique that is practiced by incubating seeds for
a limited time in warm water.
 Halo priming involves the use of
salts of chlorides, sulphates, nitrates etc.
 It is the standard priming technique.
 Seeds are incubated in well aerated solutions with a low water
potential, and later washed and dried.
Hydro priming (drum priming)
Halo priming
Osmopriming (Osmoconditioning)
DRUM PRIMING / HYDRO PRIMING
18( Kazem et al., 2010, Iran)

19.  It is the incubation of seeds in a solid, insoluble matrix with a
limited amount of water.
 This method confers a slow imbibition.
 Matric carriers are- (Calcinated clay, Vermiculite ,Peat Moss
,Sand, Micro-Cel ).
Matric priming (Solid matrix conditioning)
19
(Girolamo and Barbanti 2012 Italian)

20. Bio-priming (Seed conditioning)
 It is a process of biological seed treatment that refers to
combination of seed hydration (physiological aspect of disease
control).
 And inoculation (biological aspect of disease control) of seed with
beneficial organism to protect seed with the help of beneficial
fungi and bacteria.
(Girolamo and Barbanti 2012 Italian)
Hydration
of
seeds
Bio-
agents
Bio-priming
Of
seeds
20

21. Mix the formulated product of bio-agent with the pre-
soaked seeds at the rate of 10 g per kg seed.
Pre-soak the seeds in water for 12 h.
Put the treated seeds as a heap.
Cover the heap with a moist jute sack to maintain high humidity.
Incubate the seeds under high humidity for about 48 h at approximately 25–32 °C.
Bio-agent adhered to the seed grows on the seed surface under moist condition to form a
protective layer all around the seed coat.
PROCEDURE
21

22. Factors affecting Priming
 Osmotic potential of solution.
 Priming temperature and light
 Duration of priming
 O2 availability
 Drying method
22
(Halmer, 2006)

23.  Controll water Imbibition.
Imbibition injury prevented.
Salt priming supply seeds with nitrogen and other nutrients for
protein synthesis.
 Toxicity of chemicals.
Limited O2 supply to seed.
Disadvantage in handling large quantity of seed.
Disadvantages of Priming
Advantages of Priming
23

24. Studies Seed Priming of
Vegetable crops
24

25. Table-8: Effect of osmopriming on the germination ability of
tomato cultivars
Treatments
T50
(days)
MGT
(days)
FGP (%) GI GE(%)
Riogrande
improved
Control 5.50a 6.30 a 45.33 c 16.50 c 16.65 d
Osmopriming (PEG) 3.07 c 5.17 b 65.67 b 24.50 b 24.57 c
Osmopriming (NaCl) 3.77 b 5.13 b 74.00 a 25.50 a 37.45 b
Osmopriming (KNO3) 2.17 d 4.10 c 83.33 a 32.00a 46.28 a
LSD at 0.05 0.221 0.148 12.36 2.43 8.03
Roma
Control 5.15 a 6.70 a 48.33 c 16.50 c 15.25 c
Osmopriming (PEG) 3.57 c 5.01 c 64.67 b 23.50 c 25.57 b
Osmopriming (NaCl) 3.87 b 5.23 b 72.00a 27.50 b 37.45 a
Osmopriming (KNO3) 2.87 d 4.60 d 78.33 a 33.00 a 44.08 a
LSD at 0.05 0.254 0.188 11.36 2.33 9.13
FGP = final germination % ; MGT = mean germination time; T50 = time taken to 50%
germination; GI=germination index; GE=Energy of germination
25
(Farooq et al., 2005, Faisalabad)

26. Table-9 : Effect of seedling vigour of tomato cultivars
Treatments
MET
(days)
FEP
(%)
Root
length
(cm)
Shoot
length
(cm)
Seedling
fresh
weight
(mg)
Seeding
dry
weight
(mg)
Riogrande
improved
Control 7.51 a 31.41 d 45.05 d 30.88 d 1.12b 20.29 d
Osmopriming (PEG) 7.33 a 54.00 c 54.45 c 49.77 c 1.15 b 27.77 c
Osmopriming (NaCl) 5.15 b 62.19 b 64.52 b 69.29 b 1.17 b 30.00 b
Osmopriming(KNO3) 4.55 c 74.97 a 77.87 a 76.75 a 1.42 a 35.05 a
LSD at 0.05 0.593 4.342 6.112 5.126 0.221 0.712
Roma
Control 7.91 a 43.41 d 43.05 c 34.88 d 1.12 b 21.29 d
Osmopriming (PEG) 7.13 a 54.00 c 54.45 c 49.77 c 1.13 b 27.77 c
Osmopriming (NaCl) 5.45 b 62.19 d 62.52 b 64.29 b 1.02 b 30.00 b
Osmopriming(KNO3) 4.75 c 74.97 a 76.87 a 73.75 a 1.49 b 37.05 a
LSD at 0.05 0.575 4.232 6.112 5.126 0.213 0.714
FEP = final emergence % ; MET = mean emergence time.
26
(Farooq et al., 2005, Faisalabad)

27. Table-10: Effect of Halopriming on the germination of tomato cultivar.
cultivar priming FGP
MGT
(days)
T50 (days)
Root
length(cm)
Shoot
length(cm)
Nagina
Control 61.33c 7.31a 6.13b 5.30c 4.93b
Hydropriming 69.33b 7.18abc 6.52a 5.30c 5.58a
Halo Priming in 10mM NaCl 70.66b 7.00bc 6.28ab 5.50bc 5.24ab
Halo Priming in 25mM NaCl 69.33b 7.25ab 6.22b 4.20d 5.13ab
Halo Priming in 50mM NaCl 72.00b 7.24ab 6.38ab 5.56bc 5.27abc
Halo Priming in 10mM KNO3 74.66b 6.93cd 6.13b 6.06a 5.18ab
Halo Priming in 25mM KNO3 81.33a 6.58e 5.19d 5.76ab 5.20ab
Halo Priming in 50mM KNO3 71.36b 6.68de 5.80c 5.33c 5.34ab
LSD at 0.05 5.6531 0.2637 0.2322 0.4255 0.5271
Pakit
Control 52.00f 7.43a 6.52a 5.06c 4.93bc
Hydropriming 57.33e 7.20ab 6.16b 5.33bc 5.60a
Halo Priming in 10mM NaCl 62.66cd 6.93bc 6.22b 5.40b 5.23abc
Halo Priming in 25mM NaCl 66.66bd 6.96bc 6.28ab 5.23bc 4.76c
Halo Priming in 50mM NaCl 58.66de 7.43a 6.38ab 5.23bc 4.76c
Halo Priming in 10mM KNO3 68.00b 6.86c 6.23b 5.30bc 5.20abc
Halo Priming in 25mM KNO3 78.66a 6.33d 5.17d 6.00a 5.20abc
Halo Priming in 50mM KNO3 70.66b 6.90c 5.90c 5.16bc 5.33ab
LSD at 0.05 4.4129 0.2998 0.2522 0.3277 0.5631
FGP = final germination % ; MGT = mean germination time; T50 = time taken to 50% germination.
27
(Nawaz et al., 2011, Faisalabad)mM (millimolar)=10ˉ³ mol / L

28. Table-11: Effect of Halopriming on the fresh wt & dry wt of tomato cultivar.
cultivar Priming Fresh weight(mg) Dry weight (mg)
Nagina
control 23.10cd 6.33e
Hydropriming 24.30bc 7.36cd
Halo Priming in 10mM NaCl 25.20b 7.80bc
Halo Priming in 25mM NaCl 24.80b 8.00b
Halo Priming in 50mM NaCl 22.53d 6.70e
Halo Priming in 10mM KNO3 25.00b 7.00de
Halo Priming in 25mM KNO3 28.96a 8.53a
Halo Priming in 50mM KNO3 24.06bc 7.26d
LSD at 0.05 1.3328 0.4908
Pakit
control 22.30cd 6.33e
Hydropriming 23.30bc 7.25bcd
Halo Priming in 10mM NaCl 24.20b 7.75bc
Halo Priming in 25mM NaCl 25.80b 8.10ab
Halo Priming in 50mM NaCl 23.53d 6.50de
Halo Priming in 10mM KNO3 26.00b 7.02de
Halo Priming in 25mM KNO3 27.56a 8.66a
Halo Priming in 50mM KNO3 23.04bc 7.21cd
LSD at 0.05 1.2315 0.5013
28(Nawaz et al., 2011, Faisalabad)
mM (millimolar)=10ˉ³ mol / L

29.  Application of coating substance to the seed to enhance seed
placement and performance without altering shape or placing
chemicals on the seed coat which regulate and improve
germination.
Seed Coating
29
(Chaubey et al., 2014)

30.  It is the coating applied to the seed that does not obscure its
shape.
 It may be fungicide, microbiological treatments and
micronutrients.
 Its major benefit is that the seed enhancement material is
directly placed on the seed as compared to the broad casting.
 It’s a sophisticated process of applying precise amount of
active ingredients in form of thin film along with the liquid
material directly on to the seed surface without obscuring its
shape.
Film Coating
Seed Coating
30
(Chaubey et al., 2014)

31. FILMCOATING, ENCRUSTING AND PELLETING – ONION SEED
31

32. Pelleted Seed Non- Coated
Seed
Film Coating Encrusting
Onion Seed Coatings
32

33.  Improve the appearance and dust free handling.
To apply fungicides, insecticides, micronutrients directly to seed.
Allow easy flow of seed in automatic seeding.
Act as a temperature switch and water intake regulator.
Coated seeds fetch high cost, than the bare seeds.
Improper coating and improper dilution of coating material may
deteriorate the whole seed lot.
Disadvantages of Coating
Advantages of Seed Coating
33

34. Seed Pelleting
 It is the process of enclosing a seed with a small quantity
of inert material just large enough to facilitate precision
planting.
Why inert material?
 It creates natural water holding media and provide small
amount of nutrients to younger seedlings.
34
(Halmer, 2006)

35. seedadhesive
Coating of seed with adhesive
Filler material sprinkled on
coated seeds
Pelleted seeds
Shade drying
sowing
Seed Pelleting Process
35
(Halmer, 2006)

36. Type Material Used
Innoculant
Pelleting
BiofertilizerViz., Rhizobia, Azospirillum,
Azatobactor
Protective
Coating
Biocontrol agent like Rhizobacteria bataticola,
Bacillus sp. Streptomycis sp., pesticides,
fungicides.
Herbicide
Coating
Filler antidote or absorbent coating, Herbicide
antidote like 1.8 napthalic anhydride (NA)
Nutrient
Coating
Coating with micro and macronutrients eg.ZnSo4,
FeSo4, Borax
Hydrophillic
Coating
Starch graft polymers, magnesium carbonate
Oxygen
Supplier
Coating
Peroxides of zinc and calcium
Types of Seed Pelleting
36
(Halmer, 2006)

37. Increase in size and shape.
Singling of seeds to prevent clogging.
Precision placement.
Moisture absorption.
Supply of nutrients.
Protection from birds/animals.
Pelleted seeds fetch high cost & weights more, than the bare
seeds.
Empty pellet/ multi seed pellet if proper machine are not used.
Disadvantages of Pelleting
Advantages of Pelleting
37

38. Studies Seed Pelleting of
Vegetable crops
38

39. TREATMENT (S) Germination (%) Seedling vigour index Seedling dry wt (g)
S1 98.47 (82.91)* 4277.00 0.595
S2 98.44(82.14) 4269.00 0.572
S3 98.30 (82.52) 4208.00 0.573
S4 98.26 (82.44) 4004.00 0.536
S5 97.73 (81.34) 4103.00 0.536
S6 97.86 (81.60) 4069.00 0.520
S7 97.43 (80.86) 4088.00 0.539
S0 97.40 (81.71) 3735.00 0.493
Mean 97.99 (81.94) 4058.00 0.547
S.Em± 0.93 113.00 0.011
CD @ 5% NS 339.00 0.033
S1 : ZnSO4 @ 250 mg / kg of seed S4 = S1 + S2 S7 = S1 + S2 + S3
S2 : Borax @ 100 mg / kg of seeds S5 = S1 + S3 S0 = Control(without pelleting)
S3 : Arappu leaf powder @ 250 g/kg of seeds S6 = S2 + S3
Table-17: Effect of seed pelleting with micronutrients and leaf powder on Seed
quality of cowpea
39
(Masuthi et al., 2009, Dharwad)

40. Techniques Effects
Priming +
Pregermination
Early emergence, increased shoot
weight
Seed coating + Pelleting
Improve plantability of flat seeds,
addition of bioactive chemicals,
nutrients & microbes
Priming + Pelleting Complements individual effects
Osmoticum/solid matrix
carrier + GR/nutrients/
pesticides
Additive effect
PEG + GA3
Improved germination & prevented
induction of secondary dormancy
Integrated Seed Enhancement
40

41. Advantages of Seed Quality Enhancement Technology :
 Reduced seed rate.
 Early emergence and reduced time of emergence under stress
conditions.
 Supply of growth regulators, nutrients & beneficial microbes.
 Better nursery management.
 Helps seedling to dominate weeds in competition for nutrition.
 Field stand and uniformity.
 Direct seeding of conventionally transplanted vegetable seeds.
 High turnover.
41

42. Seed Quality Enhancement is
a MUST to benefit both
42

43.  The productions and timely supply of quality seeds to the
farmers are most crucial.
 Good quality seed acts as a catalyst for realizing the potential of
all other inputs in agriculture.
 Without good seed, the investment on fertilizers, water,
pesticides and other inputs will not pay the desired dividends.
 Therefore, production of quality seed and maintenance of high
germination is most significance in the seed program.
Conclusion
43

44.  In this way, seed enhancements technology has a core objective
plays a significant role in improving the seed performance.
 Seed hydration, seed fortification, seed infusion, osmo
conditioning, halo priming, bio priming, hydro priming, solid
matrix priming, seed coating, film coating and pelleting are the
recent seed techniques for improving seed quality.
Cond..
44