SCARIFICATION PROCESS AND POLYMER COATING FOR SEEDS
Scarified seeds may be coated with a polymer or polymeric coating. The polymer or polymeric coated seeds may be stored for periods of time prior to use.
1 . A method of treating seeds for storage, comprising:
scarifying seeds;
coating the scarified seeds with a polymeric coating; and
storing the polymeric-coated scarified seeds for later use.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating prevents passage into the seeds of a sufficient amount of water to allow for germination of the seed.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating prevents passage into the seeds of a sufficient amount of water, from atmospheric sources, to allow for germination of the seed.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the water from atmospheric sources is atmospheric humidity normally present in air surrounding the seeds.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating is water soluble.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the polymeric coating is one or more of hydrogels of chitosan derivatives, xanthan gums, agar, dextran, cellulose ethers, and pectin, or gellum.
7 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the polymeric coating is one or more of hydrogels of polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose ethers, povidones, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamides, or polyacrylic acid copolymers.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating is water soluble, such that water applied to a field or aerosolized water in an aeroponic farming system will dissolve the polymeric coating so as to allow the seed to germinate.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating is water insoluble.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising applying an additive to the polymeric coated scarified seed to break down the polymeric coating to allow the seed to imbibe water.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein scarification of the seeds comprises removing seedcoats of the seeds.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein scarification of the seeds comprises reducing a thickness of the seedcoats of the seeds.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein scarification of the seeds comprises partially removing seedcoats of the seeds.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein storing the polymeric-coated scarified seeds comprises storing the polymeric-coated scarified seeds in a closed container.
15 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising planting the polymeric-coated scarified seeds in soil.
16 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising placing the polymeric-coated scarified seed in a hydroponic or aeroponic plant growth facility.