Effect of Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride Concentrations on Bead Size in Synthetic Seed Production of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
S. Deepthy *
Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
P. Sindhumole
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod, Kerala, India.
Dijee Bastian
Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
Vidhu Francis Palathingal
Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
Rehna Augustine
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
S. Sugirtha
Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The success of synthetic seed technology depends on the physical properties of the encapsulation matrix, particularly bead size and uniformity. This study aimed to standardize sodium alginate and calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂.2H₂O) concentrations for optimal bead formation in Oryza sativa L. Synthetic seeds were produced using twelve treatment combinations of sodium alginate (2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5%) and CaCl₂.2H₂O (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM). Bead size and textural integrity were evaluated. Results revealed a significant interaction between alginate and CaCl₂ concentrations on bead morphology. Bead diameter increased with alginate concentration but decreased marginally with higher CaCl₂ due to stronger cross-linking. The standardisation of encapsulation protocols is critical for achieving consistency in synthetic seed production across different plant species and developing commercially viable synthetic seed technology.
Keywords: Synthetic seed, encapsulation matrix, sodium alginate, calcium chloride dihydrate, bead size