Guan et al. [47] examined the use of chitosan to prime maize seeds. Although chitosan had no significant effect on germination under low temperatures, it enhanced germination index, reduced the mean germination time, and increased shoot height, root length, and shoot and root dry weights in two tested maize lines. In both tested lines, chitosan induced a decline in malonyldialdehyde content, altered the relative permeability of the plasma membrane and increased the concentrations of soluble sugars and proline, and of peroxidase and catalase activities.
In other studies, seed priming with chitosan improved the vigor of maize seedlings [48]. It was also reported to increase wheat seed resistance to certain diseases and improve their quality and/or their ability to germinate [49]. Similarly, peanut seeds soaked in chitosan were reported to exhibit an increased rate of germination and energy, lipase activity, and gibberellic acid and indole acetic acid levels [50]. Ruan and Xue [51] showed that rice seed coating with chitosan may accelerate their germination and improve their tolerance to stress conditions. In carrot, seed coating helps restrain further development of Sclerotinia rot [52]. Chitosan has also been extensively utilized as a seed treatment to control F. oxysporum in many host species