Abstract

Cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], also known as guar, is a drought-hardy, deep-rooted, summer annual legume grown as feed, fodder, and green manure. However, it is susceptible to water stagnation and severe drought conditions, making seed germination, emergence, and establishment difficult. Film coating technology with polykote alone or in combination with fungicides and halogens can improve seed establishment under low and high moisture conditions. Film coating involves applying a colored polymer film material on the seed surface that completely covers the seed and acts as an effective delivery system for agrochemicals. The polymers are hydrophilic and can prolong moisture supply under stress conditions by absorbing water from the surrounding rhizosphere. In this study, film coating with polykote was used to improve the germinability of cluster bean seeds as a stress management practice, and methods were studied to preserve the polycoated seeds with high vigor and viability for longer periods through accelerated aging.

Keywords: Film coating technology, polykote, fungicides, halogens and seed establishment