Effects of chitosan nanoparticles coating on delaying of seed soybean (Gycine max) deterioration

Abstract

High-quality seed is always demanded by farmers and may result in up to a 30% increase in crop yields. One of the major constraints of
soybean cultivation is that soybean seeds quickly deteriorate in storage due to high lipid and protein content. Coating technology with
various coating formulas is needed to extend seeds’ shelf life. This research aimed to determine the effects of CSNPs (chitosan-wax
nanoparticles) and CS (chitosan-wax) as active coating ingredients in delaying the Deterioration of soybean seed quality. Two varieties
of soybean seed and three coating treatments (control, CS, and CSNPs) were used during storage for six months. Each treatment was
replicated four times, and the observation was conducted monthly. The result showed that coating treatment could significantly suppress
the increase in water content and the decrease in protein and fat levels compared to the control. Moreover, the coating also suppresses the
respiration rate, ethylene content, and MDA concentration during storage, especially for the Grobogan variety. The coated seed showed
a higher vigor index and germination than the controls, particularly in the Dega variety. The CSNPs performed better than CS and control
for all the experimental parameters. The germination percentage of the Dega variety soybean seeds after six months of storage at CS and
CSNPs coating treatments were 93.33 and 92.67%, respectively, much higher than the Grobogan variety. The initial mositure content
much influenced the seed’s physical, chemical, and viability during storage.