Iranian Journal of Seed Research

Extended abstract
Introduction: Small size of Satureja (Satureja hortensis L.) seed causes many problems in mechanized cultivation and its seed consumption is increased significantly.  The approach discussed in the present study is the seed coating of Satureja by several matters and selecting the suitable method as well as investigation of adding hormonal and nutritional substances to the selected coating material for better emergence and the elimination of problem arise as a result of coating.
Materials and Methods: Purified Satureja seeds (97%) were prepared and poured into the coating machine at a specified amount. First, 1% solution of benomyl fungicide was sprayed on the seeds. Then some coating powder was sprayed on the spinning wet seeds inside the machine. Then some of the adhesive solution was sprayed on it and again the coating powder was added and this was repeated several times to create a suitable form for the coated seeds. This was repeated using different materials and among these coatings powder, vermiculite and perlite provided better coating on Satureja seed. Then, different materials including gibberellin, BAP, cytokinin, thiourea (CH₄N₂S) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃), phosphorus from H₂PO₄ source and manganese sulfate (MnSO₄) were used to the emergence of the enlarged seeds and also, the emergence of these seeds were evaluated in the greenhouse.
Results: Initial results showed that vermiculite and perlite provided better cover for Satureja compared with the other coating materials. Investigating the emergence of perlite-coated seeds in the greenhouse showed that gibberellin (all concentrations) and kinetin (500 mg/l) present in the seed coat improved the Satureja seed emergence under greenhouse condition. Also, it was found that Thiourea (700 and 7000 mg/l), potassium nitrate (7, 70, 700 mg/l), phosphorous (9 kg/100 kg seed) and manganese sulphate (2 and 4 mg/l) present in the coat significantly increased the Satureja seed emergence and led to improved seedling growth.
Conclusion: Perlite for the purpose of seed pelleting of Satureja showed good results and the use of gibberellin (at all concentrations) and quintine (500 mg/l) in the seed pelleting improved germination of pelleted Satureja seed.
 

Highlights:
1- Technical knowledge of Satureja seed pelleting was obtained.
2- The suitable material to improve the emergence of pelleted Satureja seed was introduced.

Objective: The commercial cultivation of sugarcane is often associated with high production costs due to the extensive use of planting material and waste of energy, long cultivation periods, rapid deterioration of cuttings after bud establishment, labor-intensive operations, frequent machinery use, and heavy applications of fertilizers and pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of pelleting lateral buds of sugarcane stalks to produce single-bud seed pieces suitable for mechanized cultivation at the Sugarcane Development, Research, and Training Institute Khuzestan, Iran.
Methods: A split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in 2021 at SDRTI, Khuzestan, Iran. The considered factors were different planting dates: 16 August (D1), 16 September (D2) and 17 October (D3) as main plots, and the pellet types (A1 (starch + peat + micro-combi fertilizer), A2 (starch + peat + nutritional compounds + Potassium silicate + carbendazim fungicide), A3 (single-bud without pellet), and A4 (50 setts without pellet- control)) as subplots.
Results: Pelleting single-bud seeds, particularly treatment A2 planted in September, significantly enhanced crop establishment, increasing emergence percentage by 56% and emergence rate to 2.85 sprouts per day compared to the control. Pelleting also improved growth and quality indices more effectively than other treatments.
Conclusions: Pelleting single-bud sugarcane seeds with nutrient-enriched coatings improves emergence, supports early crop growth, and facilitates mechanized cultivation.  This technique supports mechanized planting by improving nutrient delivery and moisture retention at the bud level, contributing to more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective sugarcane cultivation.

Highlights:

• Pelleting with treatment A2 significantly enhanced emergence percentage and rate of sugarcane single buds by delivering essential nutrients.
• September planting, combined with pelleting, improved early growth and establishment of sugarcane plants.