Hort. Sci. (Prague), X:X | DOI: 10.17221/148/2024-HORTSCI

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

Wissanee Pola1,2, Arak Tira-Umphon1,2, Kumrai Buensanteai1, Sukanya Aiamla-or1,2
1 Department of School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agriculture Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
2 Innovation of Quality Enhancement of Agricultural Products for Agro-Industry Research Center, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand


Organic seed coating is an alternative method for supporting sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the influence of organic coating and seed storability on cucumber seeds using atmosphere-controlling techniques. The seeds were coated with an organic formulation, and a non-coated seed was used as a control. All samples were then packed using modified atmosphere packaging, including normal air, 100% N2, and 100% CO2, and stored under ambient conditions (30 ± 2 °C) for 8 months. Results indicated that the organic seed coating did not significantly affect seed germination compared to the non-coated seeds (P > 0.05) throughout the storage period. Moreover, the coating tended to positively influence seedling growth, including root and shoot lengths, seedling growth rate, chlorophyll content, and total phenolic content. Additionally, seeds packed with 100% CO2 showed a slight impact on seedling growth compared to those in normal airbags, but this modified atmosphere packaging technique tended to increase chlorophyll a and b, as well as the total phenolic content in seedlings. Conversely, seeds packaged with 100% N2 tended to decrease seedling lengths. Therefore, cucumber seeds coated with an organic formulation and packed in a 100% CO2 bag can enhance seedling growth parameters during germination and extend seed storability.

Keywords: germination; organic coating ingredients; seedling growth; storability; vigour

Received: July 29, 2024; Revised: May 24, 2025; Accepted: June 3, 2025; Prepublished online: February 15, 2026 

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