Effect of Polymer Coating On Germination of Squash Seeds.

Polymer coating of squash seeds (Cucubita pepo Zucchini) is an important method to enhance the seed performance during germination and emergence in the field and protect the seeds from infection with diseases and insects. Two experiments were conducted to identify the best method for polymer coating of squash seeds to improve seed germination and performance at the nursery. In the first experiment, the seeds were subjected to six different concentrations and durations of coating polymer (Discoshine Veg Red L-524 polymer) in combination of different concentrations of Gaucho insecticide (Imidacloprid): 1) 50% polymer for 40 s; 2) 25% polymer for 40 s; 3) 12.5% polymer for 40 s; 4) 6.2% polymer for 40 s; 5) 25% polymer for 40 s + 10% Gaucho; 6) Control. In the second experiment, the seeds were exposed to five treatments: 1) 24% polymer for 120 s; 2) 24% polymer for 40 s; 3) 24% polymer for 20 s; 4) 20% polymer for 40 s + 4% Gaucho; 5) Control.  The treated seeds were evaluated for standard germination test in the lab and for emergence and speed of emergence at the nursery. The results indicated that the best treatment was coating the seeds with 20-25% polymer for 40 s in combination with 4% Gaucho insecticide, which had a germination and emergence above 90% and did not differ significantly from the control.