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Author
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Mtombeni, Tanyaradzwa P.
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Title
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Evaluation of sticking agent and variety on pelleted seed quality, germination and seedling vigour in flue cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
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Abstract
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This study evaluated the effect of sticking agent and variety on pelleted seed quality, germination, and seedling vigour in flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Pelleting is a critical technique used to enhance seed handling and improve uniformity in germination, yet the effectiveness of different sticking agent’s remains under-researched, especially in Zimbabwean tobacco varieties. The experiment was conducted at the Tobacco Research Board’s Seed Technology Laboratory using a 2×4 factorial treatment, laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments replicated four times. Two tobacco varieties (KRK 26R and KRK 76) and four sticking agent levels (sugar, polymer, a 50:50 sugar-polymer mix, and raw/uncoated seeds) were used. Data were collected on seed quality using top paper and water tests, germination percentage, seedling emergence, plant height, and stem diameter over a 4-week period. There was no significant variety × sticking agent interaction (p>0.05) on all parameters. Variety effects were also not significant (p>0.05). However, ticking agents had highly significant effect (p<0.001) on germination, emergence, quality and seedling vigour. Seeds treated with polymer alone exhibited the highest germination percentage (95.38%), emergence rate (85.62%), plant height, and stem diameter across all growth stages, followed by sugar-treated seeds. The sugar-polymer mix underperformed in growth parameters, while raw seeds had the poorest overall performance. Based on the research findings, field-based research is recommended to validate these findings under variable environmental conditions and across more tobacco genotypes.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Germination
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Sticking agent
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Tobacco
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Supervisor
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Mr. J. Chitamba
