Biopolymers in Seed Coating for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The multibillion-dollar worldwide market for coated seeds is currently seeking new sustainable solutions that promote the use of natural (biobased) polymers for developing seed coating materials produced using clean methodologies. Seed coating is an effective method widely applied in modern agriculture. By uniformly depositing a variety of active ingredients on the seed surface, it is possible to obtain coated seeds with enhanced resistance, germination, and facilitated sowing. Moreover, seed coating is an attractive option for improving crop yield, resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, and restoring degraded soil systems. Petroleum-derived polymers are commercially used in seed coating, which can negatively affect plants, soil, and pollinating animals. Biopolymer seed coatings offer various advantages for reducing environmental contamination, enhancing seed protection, and enabling the addition of beneficial microbial species that promote plant growth. Such seed coatings also improve seed germination, nutrient delivery, and sowing efficiency, while reducing reliance on chemical inputs and contributing to environmentally responsible agriculture. This review highlights the growing importance of biopolymers in seed coating and summarizes their multifaceted use in sustainable agricultural systems.