Abstract

Seed coating is a technique widely used by growers to increase, standardize and improve seed germination conditions. Despite this, there is lack of information about the physiological quality of coated seeds during storage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physical and physiological quality of colza (Brassica napus L.) seeds coated with bentonite and treated with fungicide and black pepper plant extract within 120 days of storage. Colza seeds were coated with bentonite as a filler material and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue as cementing material. For treatment of the seeds a fungicide (Carboxin + Thiram) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) plant extract were added together with the cementing material. Seeds with no coating or treatment were used as controls. After coating, the seeds were stored for 120 days, and the first germination counting, germination, third counting, shoot dry matter and water content were evaluated every 30 days. Germination and vigor of canola seeds coated and treated with fungicide or black pepper plant extract decreased significantly throughout the storage period. At 120 days of storage, the germination of the seeds coated with bentonite + glue and bentonite + plant extract was at an average of 33.6% in the third counting.

Key words: Brassica napus L, water content, seed coating, bentonite.