EFFECT OF POLYPHENOLS RICH SEED COATING ON ENHANCEMENT OF SEEDLING PHYSIOLOGY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) SEEDS

Abstract

The use of plant derived bioactive compounds as eco-friendly seed enhancement agents has gained considerable attention in sustainable agriculture. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a polyphenol rich seed coating formulation based on Terminalia chebula pericarp powder to evaluate its effect on seed germination and seedling vigour of maize (Zea mays L.). The formulation was characterized using GC–MS, FTIR and XRD analyses. GC–MS analysis identified 1,2,3-benzenetriol (Pyrogallol) as the major constituent (46.55%), followed by bisphenol (23.67%) and phenol (2.22%) indicating a high concentration of bioactive phenolic compounds. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aliphatic, aromatic, and carbohydrate functional groups. XRD analysis demonstrated a predominantly amorphous structure with minor crystalline regions. The efficacy of the formulation was evaluated through seed coating treatments in maize. Among the treatments, T4 at 100 g kg⁻¹ seed consistently recorded the highest germination percentage (97%), speed of germination (5.8), root length (24.5 cm), shoot length (44.9 cm), dry matter production (3.36 g), Vigour Index I (6732) and Vigour Index II (326) compared to the untreated control. Antioxidant enzyme activity also higher in treated seeds. The enhanced germination and seedling growth were attributed to the antioxidant and growth promoting effects of polyphenolic compounds present in the formulation. The study concludes that the polyphenol rich Terminalia chebula pericarp powder based seed coating formulation effectively improves maize seed germination, seedling vigour and early plant growth. The formulation offers a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic seed treatments and has potential applications in sustainable crop production.