Biological Seed Coating Innovations for Sustainable Healthy Crop Growth in Tomato

Abstract

Biological seed coating (BSC) is the fastest-growing segment under the seed treatment approaches in the global seed market. It refers to the application of certain beneficial microbes to the seed prior to sowing in order to suppress, control, or repel pathogens, insects, and other pests that attack seeds, seedlings, or plants. Beneficial bioagents along with the compatible adjuvants can safely be delivered through coatings onto the seed surface. The polymer acts as a protective cover for bioagents and helps in improving the shelf life and dust-free seed. It is an efficient mechanism for placement of microbial inoculum into soil where they colonize the seedling roots and protect against soil-borne pathogens. It is also used to increase the speed and uniformity of germination, along with protection against soil-borne pathogens in nursery and improves final stand. Some induces systemic resistance in plants against biotic agents. It is a low-cost, alternative viable technology to chemical-based plant protection and nutrition. Thus, the demand for biological seed treatment solutions is increasing in view of consumer acceptance for chemical-free food. They give protection to seedlings in the nursery against damping-off fungi like Fusarium spp. or Rhizoctonia spp. and improve crop growth and yield in the main field.