Tomato seed pelleting is a seed treatment technology developed based on the demand for precision seeding. By coating inert materials, tiny tomato seeds are made into uniform-sized pellets, which can enhance the convenience of sowing and improve the uniformity of seedling emergence. Seedling raising is a crucial link connecting seed treatment and field planting, directly influencing the quality of tomato seedlings and subsequent yields. The following elaborates on the complete process of tomato seed pelleting and seedling raising.
Pelletizing operation
1. Initial coating: Place the pre-treated tomato seeds into the pelletizer, start the equipment to rotate at a constant speed, and simultaneously spray a small amount of binder evenly through a sprayer. When the seed surface is moist, slowly sprinkle the inert filler. The filler will adhere to the seed surface with the help of the binder, forming fine particles. During this stage, the amount of binder sprayed should be controlled to avoid seed clumping, and the filler should be sprinkled evenly to ensure that each seed can form an initial particle independently.
2. Gradual expansion of diameter: As the initial particles form, continue to alternately spray the binder and sprinkle the filler. After each spray, wait for the surface of the particles to slightly dry before sprinkling the filler to avoid excessive moisture and adhesion. During this process, constantly observe the particle size. The target diameter of the pellets is usually 2-3mm, and it is necessary to maintain uniform particle size. If functional additives are added, they can be mixed into the binder and sprayed together with the binder to ensure that the additives are evenly distributed within the pellets.
3. Surface finishing: Once the pellets reach the desired size, a small amount of water or a dilute binder can be sprayed, followed by a light dusting of fine talcum powder to make the surface of the pellets smoother and reduce wear during subsequent transportation. After the finishing process is complete, turn off the pellet machine and remove the pellets.
Tomato seedling raising usually starts with 72-cell or 105-cell trays, and the process from soil covering to sowing and then to secondary soil covering is carried out by a seedling raising machine. After pelleting, seeds can be sown more precisely, resulting in highly uniform seedlings with well-developed root systems.