Seed coating technology: An innovative and sustainable approach for improving seed quality and crop performance

Crop establishment is the most important phenological stage in the life cycle of crop plants which is governed by the pre-sowing quality of seed. From harvesting to sowing, a broad range of factors including genomics and prevailing environmental conditions can have marked influence on the quality of seed. These factors solely or in combination can cause a huge financial loss. However, control of all these factors for improving seed quality is a difficult task for the farmers to accomplish, however, some of the factors could be controlled. To tackle the issue, physical properties of seed are modified by the exogenous application of certain physical, chemical or biological compounds directly to the surface of a natural seed coat. Application of coatings through seed coating improves germinates phases, advances phenological events, enhances physio-morphological attributes, yield and most importantly the restoration efficacy of seed. In addition, seed coating offers an attractive option as a tool for enhancing crop establishment by propelling the challenges faced to agricultural systems and restoration of degraded systems. This review summarizes comprehensive information on various seed coating technologies and their potential role for achieving a cost-effective ecosystem by increasing food security.