Efficacy of a newly developed seed coating formulation for the control of seed-borne diseases

Authors: MERIAM BOURI, ZEYNEP İYİGÜNDOĞDU, PINAR LÖK, FİKRETTİN ŞAHİN

Abstract: Seed coating is receiving increased relevance in sustainable agriculture, to reduce the usage of pesticides and protect the natural environment. In this study, a new formulation based on the combination of two active constituents (zinc pyrithione and triclosan) and an inactive component (carboxymethyl cellulose polymer) was optimized for seed coating to control seed-borne pathogens. According to the in vitro antimicrobial tests, the combination of zinc pyrithione and triclosan showed a broader spectrum of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi control. Coated seeds from different plant species with 2% of zinc pyrithione, 0.05% of triclosan and, 0.5% of carboxymethyl cellulose did not show any microorganisms development on culture media, contrarily to the noncoated ones. Germination quality and seedling growth of treated groups were enhanced in the presence of natural seed-borne pathogens and not affected in pathogen-free seeds compared to the nontreated groups. Thus, this novel seed coating formulation is a promising antimicrobial agent that could be used in the prevention of seed-borne diseases without any side effect on the seedling establishment.

Keywords: Zinc pyrithione, triclosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, germination quality, seedling growth

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