Late-sown rapeseed, an essential oilseed crop, often faces challenges like poor germination, slow seedling growth, and reduced cold resistance due to low temperatures. A new study explores how biochar-based seed pelletization can enhance the crop’s performance under these conditions, offering a solution for higher yields in challenging environments.

Researchers tested rapeseed seeds coated with biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and functional agents like 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and trehalose (Tre). Over two years of field trials and low-temperature incubator tests, they found these pelletized seeds significantly improved germination, seedling growth rates, and cold resistance.

Key findings include:

• Pelletized seeds increased rapeseed yields by 5.88% to 9.75%, depending on the treatment.

• Functional agents boosted seedling emergence and relative growth rates, improving cold resistance by enhancing enzymatic antioxidants and reducing membrane damage.

• A strong correlation was observed between higher yields and better seedling growth and cold resistance.

This innovative approach, combining biochar and plant growth regulators, strengthens seedlings during critical growth stages, making them more resilient to cold stress. The results suggest that adopting pelletized seed technology can optimize rapeseed production, particularly in regions with late sowing and low temperatures.

By improving seed germination and cold resistance, biochar-based pelletized seeds present a promising technique to boost yields and support sustainable rapeseed farming under challenging conditions.