Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Pragathi G, Raja K, Jerlin R, Chinna Mukiri and Ramalakshmi A

Abstract:
Cotton is an important fibre crop mostly cultivated under rainfed ecosystem in India. There are many factors limiting the productivity in which poor germination and seedling establishment are the main constraints that reduce the productivity. In order to improve the germination and seedling vigour, a novel seed coating technology was developed using E-spin nanofibre polymer matrix. Herein, a composite nanofibre matrix was developed using Chitosan and Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), in which the plant growth promoting microbial cells (Methylorubrum aminovorans) were immobilized. The developed nanofibres were characterized under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) for confirmation of microbial cell loading. The bacterial cells incorporated chitosan composite nanofibres were coated over cotton seeds and tested for seedling quality evaluation. The result of SEM images showed increase in fibre size from 138.2 nm (before loading) to 358.4 nm (after incorporation of microbial cells). FT-IR results confirmed the perfect blending and interaction of Chitosan/PVA molecules with Methylorubrum aminovorans. The results of bio-efficacy study revealed that microbial cell loaded nanofibre coated seeds exhibited higher seed germination, seedling vigour and biomass as compared to the control. This study concludes that microbial cells could be immobilized in nanofibre and used as potential seed coating for improving the seed quality.