Physiological potential and health quality of corn seeds coated with chitosan

ABSTRACT Seed coating is a common practice in treating corn seeds and polymers are used to improve seed performance in terms of physical, physiological, and health quality. However, adverse environmental impacts caused by using non-renewable and non-biodegradable polymers are driving the search for alternatives to overcome these effects, such as natural-based polymers. This study evaluated the effect of chitosan coating formulations (0.6-3.4 g 100 mL –1 chitosan and 0-0.60 g glycerol g –1 chitosan) on the quality of corn seeds ( Zea mays L.) regarding physical aspects (visual and morphological aspect, water content, and 1,000-seed mass), physiological potential (germination test, germination speed index, seedling length, cold test, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, seedling height, and root and shoot dry matter), and health quality (Blotter test). Chitosan coatings associated with glycerol did not interfere with the water content, 1,000-seed mass, germination and emergence percentages, cold test, and root dry matter. Conversely, higher biopolymer concentrations can reduce germination speed index, emergence speed index, seedling height, and shoot dry matter. Thus, coating with chitosan 2 % and 0.30 g glycerol g –1 chitosan showed promising results in terms of physical aspects with no damage to the physiological potential of corn seeds while reducing the occurrence of Penicillium spp.