4. Conclusion
In the present study,the efficacy ofthe film coating technique in
enhancing seed performance and also in effectivelymaintaining the
seed quality during storage has been clearly demonstrated, with the
major role identified as that of moisture regulation. The presence of
the thin polymer film coat over the natural hygroscopic seed coat was found to form a physical barrier for absorption of moisture in
the vapour phase and hence, under ambient room conditions, the
film coated seeds remained effectively protected from equilibration
with fluctuating relative humidity, in a manner comparable
with storage in moisture impervious containers. Considering this
fact, we propose that the polymer film coat in itself acts as microcontainer
of individual seed. On the other hand, when coated seeds
come in contact with free water, polymer forms a mucilage mass
around the seed, which facilitates faster and regulated imbibition
that results in faster and uniform germination. Film coating was
found to be a superior alternative to storage under regulated environment
as indicated by all parameters evaluated in this study