MAXIMIZING SOYBEAN SEED GERMINATION AND GROWTH WITH ARCTIUM LAPPA L. BIOSTIMULANT-INFUSED COATINGS

Abstract

Seed coatings have become an integral component of modern agricultural practices, encompassing various techniques to enhance seed protection, germination rates, and plant emergence. The alteration of seed surface properties through the application of exogenous materials offers a platform for incorporating bioactive compounds, including biostimulants, which have shown promise in augmenting plant growth and development. This study delves into the realm of seed coatings and their potential to encapsulate bioactive components, particularly focusing on plant extract-based biostimulants.

The design of effective seed coatings necessitates materials that harmonize with active agents while remaining compatible with physiological processes. Crucially, these materials should not hinder seed germination or seedling growth. It is evident that tailoring seed treatments to the specific requirements of different crops optimizes their efficacy, enabling elevated yields under variable climatic conditions, thereby aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture. The challenge of maximizing crop productivity while utilizing fertilizers judiciously has spurred interest in biostimulants, a class of substances capable of augmenting plant growth without conferring fertilizer-like effects. Biostimulants operate by modulating metabolic processes in plants, and their inclusion in seed coatings presents an avenue to revolutionize seed treatment practices. Although the integration of biostimulant components derived from plant extracts into seed coatings remains a relatively unexplored territory, it holds significant potential, especially within the context of organic agricultural systems. The use of plant extracts as environmentally friendly and cost-effective additives can enhance coating performance and efficacy.

This paper underscores the significance of biostimulant efficacy, often attributed to their antioxidant potential and phenolic compound content. Plant extract-incorporated seed coatings are identified as agents capable of promoting seedling vigor and bolstering resistance against both biotic and abiotic stresses. To capitalize on the benefits offered by plant extracts, the optimization of extraction methods, including solvent selection, emerges as a pivotal consideration. Hydroextraction emerges as an ecologically viable alternative to traditional solvents like methanol, acetone, or ethanol. In conclusion, the integration of bioactive compounds, specifically plant extract-based biostimulants, into seed coatings presents a promising avenue for advancing sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration. The development of innovative seed treatment solutions holds the potential to reshape modern agricultural practices, providing crops with improved growth potential and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.