Scarification process and polymer coating for seeds

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.