Modified atmosphere packaging influences germination and seedling growth of organic-coated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds

Organic seed coating isanalternative method for supporting sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the influence oforganic coating and seed storability oncucumber seeds using atmosphere-controlling techniques. The seeds were coated with anorganic formulation, and anon-coated seed was used asacontrol. All samples were then packed using modified atmosphere packaging, including normal air, 100% N₂, and 100%CO₂, and stored under ambient conditions (30 ± 2C) for 8months. Results indicated that the organic seed coating did not significantly affect seed germination compared tothe non-coated seeds (P> 0.05) throughout the storage period. Moreover, the coating tended topositively influence seedling growth, including root and shoot lengths, seedling growth rate, chlorophyll content, and total phenolic content. Additionally, seeds packed with 100% CO₂showed aslight impact onseedling growth compared tothose innormal airbags, but this modified atmosphere packaging technique tended toincrease chlorophyll aand b, aswell asthe total phenolic content inseedlings. Conversely, seeds packaged with 100% N₂ tended todecrease seedling lengths. Therefore, cucumber seeds coated with anorganic formulation and packed ina100% CO₂ bag can enhance seedling growth parameters during germination and extend seed storability.