Effect of seed coating with polymers and carbendazim on seed quality and storability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetable crop of global importance and belongs to the family of Solanaceae. It is the most impotent commercial subtropical vegetable crop of India and ranks second in both area and production. Tomato lose its viability and vigour rapidly in storage. The success of seedling establishment at the field level largely depends on the initial quality of the seed. In recent times, various quality improvement treatments are given to the seeds as a pre- sowing treatment (Manjunatha et al. 2008). Seed coating is a pre- sowing technique, where in an external material is applied on the seed which does not obscure its shape. Polymer is a film coating chemical normally applied over seed without significantly increasing the size or weight of seeds (Manjunathaet al. 2008).