Quercetin-infused flax seed polymer: A seed quality booster and it's impact on green gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Guava leaves (Psidium guajava L.) are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Flaxseed polysaccharide, has a potential for organic polymer synthesis, is infused with quercetin to enhance the planting value of green gram seeds.

The study was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the year of 2022-2024 to standardize the impact of flaxseed polymer infused with quercetin. The mucilage method was used for polymer extraction and treated over green gram (Vigna radiata L.) seeds to assess the physiological and biochemical traits. The degradability of flaxseed polymer was studied by assessing pH, EC and organic carbon content in the soil. The field trial was carried out, in order to evaluate the potential of flaxseed polymer infused with quercetin @ 1% over pod yield ha^-1.

The flaxseed polymer infused with quercetin @ 1% resulted in increased speed of germination (32.99), germination per cent (98%), root length (16.6 cm), shoot length (19.1 cm), dry matter production (0.216 g 10 seedlings^-1) and vigour index (3499). The degradability studies indicated the changes in pH from 7.88 to 7.72, increased EC from 0.51 to 0.63 and improved soil organic carbon content 0.56 to 0.84. Increased plant height (36.6 cm), leaf area index (6.082), chlorophyll content (44.6 @ 40 DAS) and increased seed yield of 631.6 kg ha^-1 was recorded. Hence, seeds coated with flaxseed polymer infused with quercetin @ 1% could be recommended as eco-friendly pre sowing seed treatment to enhance germination, root growth, seedling vigour and crop productivity.