Seed coating innovations for sustainable horticulture enhancing germination, crop resilience and resource efficiency

Seed coating technologies have emerged as an innovative and sustainable approach to enhance the quality, resilience, and productivity of horticultural crops with direct implications for food security, climate resilience, and input-use efficiency. These methods involve the application of biological, chemical, and physical agents directly onto the seed surface, enabling precise and localized delivery of agro-inputs such as micronutrients, biostimulants, and microbial inoculants. Eco-friendly seed coatings based on biodegradable polymers (e.g., chitosan, alginate, starch), fillers (e.g., biochar, clay minerals), active agents (e.g., PGPR, seaweed extracts, trace elements), and microbial agents provide climate-smart alternatives to conventional synthetic treatments. However, the adoption of these technologies is limited due to cost, infrastructure, and awareness barriers. Such coatings improve germination, seedling emergence, and stress resilience while reducing the need for agrochemicals. Recent studies across vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals have demonstrated 15–30% higher germination and 10–25% yield improvement under stress conditions. However, the widespread adoption in developing regions remains constrained by cost, awareness, and technological access. Future research must focus on developing low cost, crop specific, and scalable seed coating formulations, coupled with suitable delivery equipment. The growing commercial interest and projected market growth underscore the potential of coated seeds to contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental resilience in the era of precision farming and climate change. Role of seed coating in horticultural crops with emphasis on pre-germination, seedling growth, physiology, and production. Demonstrates how seed coatings enhance germination, seedling vigour, and stress resilience, reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Discusses eco-friendly coating agents such as biodegradable polymers, biochar, microbial inoculants within a sustainability framework. Integrates policy, practical implementation, and environmental risk considerations, addressing barriers to adoption in developing regions.