Abstract

Zeng Defang*, Tu Renjie and Wu Shan

A novel cucumber seed coating agent was made from natural polysaccharide, fertilizer and microelement, etc., which achieved a good effect on increasing cucumber yield and antifeeding against pests. The foremost difference between this seed coating agent and conventional ones was that it controlled pests through the approach of repelling pests and enhancing the immunity of seeds, but not by killing pests. Results indicated that this seed coating agent had excellent control of pests and diseases and increased yield by 8.4 to 10.8%, while the material cost was decreased by 16.7% compared with the conventional toxic seed coating agent. In addition, results showed it was safe for man and livestock without causing any pollution and harm. Therefore it had three characteristics of high yield, less cost and friendly environment.