Chitosan-based Multi-layer Coating to Maintain the Soybean Seed Quality During Storage

Soybean seeds deteriorate quickly in storage due to their morphological characteristics and chemical composition. One technique needed to extend the shelf life of seeds is coating. The research aims to determine the effect of chitosan-based multi-layer coating formula by adding Zn nanoparticles to soybean seeds during storage. The treatments were control, chitosan nano, and non-nano coating, with and without wax-coated seed samples packed in plastic and stored at room temperature for five months. The three times replicates were applied; the observation was conducted every month. The parameter observed were moisture content, malondialdehyde, Electrical Conductivity (EC), vigor, and germination rate. The results showed that the chitosan-based multi-layer coating treatment gave good seed quality results during storage. The water content could be maintained low, while the MDA levels and Electrical Conductivity were lower than the control. Observation on vigor and germination of coated seed after the fourth month of storage indicated that the vigor and germination rate was slightly decreasing. Still, after the fifth month, the vigor starts to increase again. Implementing nano seed coating enriched with ZnONP and zeolite might help the seed grow healthy while planted in the field.