Extension of shelf life of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds through polymer coating under ambient storage condition

Experiments conducted to elucidate the impact of polymer coating on viability of cotton seeds at Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Coimbatore, India revealed that seeds coated with polymer “polycote” or “ polyloc” @ 3 ml kg⁻¹ + thiram @ 2.5 g kg⁻¹+ super red @ 5 ml kg⁻¹ + cruiser @ 5 g kg⁻¹ packed in polythene bag (700 gauge) an stored at ambient condition for 26 months was found superior in preserving seed quality viz., seed viability expressed in terms of germination and seedling vigour over untreated seeds. The percentage loss of viability was less rapid and at 26^th month of storage it was 70% where as in control 56%. Less seed infection, high seedling vigour and field emergence was recorded in coated seeds.