The seed coat is the hard outer covering of a seed. This outer casing ensures the protection of the seed from temperature and moisture variations and from pathogens. This casing ensures the survival of the seed in adverse conditions and also protects the inner structures of a seed (endosperm and the embryo) from scratching and abrasion. However, this protection against the pathogens is limited, since the pathogens can gain an access to the embryo through the pores in seed coat.
To better protect the seed, chemical coating of the seed is also practiced. Seeds can be coated with pesticides or fungicides to ensure their protection against pathogens. The seeds can also be coated with fertilizers, nutrients, etc. to ensure higher productivity of the plant. Plant oil based coatings are also available.
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