Performance Of Film Coated Cowpea Seeds During Storage

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the performance of cowpea seeds film-coated with polymer, manioc starch and polyvinyl acetate (white glue) in the percentage of 25 to 75%, including an aqueous extract (black pepper) and a fungicide (carboxin+thiran), considering the following: water soaking, germination and accelerated aging during storage. The experiment was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the curves showing the water soaking capacity of coated and treated seeds were studied. In the second phase, the physiological quality of the seeds was examined during storage at ambient conditions. The experiments were arranged into a randomized design. The storage experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p <0.05) and the averages, when required, were compared by the Scott-Knott test (p <0.05). As to the soaking curves, the data were subjected to regression analysis of variance, producing, consequently, the models for each treatment. The water soaking curves for cowpea seeds displayed a triphasic pattern. The application of coating on to the cowpea seeds did not affect the germination process. Higher germination during storage process has been noticed in the treatments: polymer + extract (P + E) and glue + fungicide (C + F).