Seed Nano-priming Technology: detailed protocol for synthesize of chitosan coated melatonin (CTS-Mel) nanocomposite

Priming is a well-established treatment for enhancing seed quality. Achieving rapid and uniform seedling emergence is a key point for crop performance and high standard in the agricultural market since slow germination rates frequently expose plantlets to adverse environmental conditions. Melatonin (Mel), a low-molecular-weight and non-toxic biological molecule, accelerates seed germination and growth and delays plant senescence. Chitosan (CTS), the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose, is a low-molecular-weight natural biopolymer produced from the distillation of chitin polysaccharide. Consequently, CTS nano-form has been extensively evaluated as a carrier due to its enhanced simulative activity on plant innate immune system and proficiency and controlled delivery of any loads. Considering the beneficial impacts of Mel and CTS individually as priming agent, it was hypothesized that their simultaneous use in a conjugated form could consider high potential nanocomposite for seed priming. Consequently, CTS- Mel NPs were synthesized and evaluated for their potential to increase the seed germination performance in underutilised crops which they always facing with low germination problem.