Advancing Seed Technology for Falcata (Falcataria falcata (L.) Greuter & R.Rankin): Effects of Seed Priming and Coating on Germination and Seedling Vigor

Seed enhancement technologies play a crucial role in improving germination performance and early seedling establishment of forest tree species. This study evaluated the effects of seed priming, microbial inoculation, and polymer coating on the germination behavior and seedling quality of Falcataria falcata. Fifteen treatments, including hydropriming (HP), plant growth regulators (GA₃), beneficial microorganisms, and polymer-based coatings, were assessed under controlled conditions. Results revealed that all seed enhancement treatments significantly improved germination and seedling growth parameters compared to the untreated control (p < 0.01). Hydropriming alone increased germination from 49.5% to over 93%, while combined treatments (HP + microbial inoculants + GA₃ + coating) achieved up to 97.5% germination and significantly enhanced germination index, vigor indices, root development, and nodulation. The highest seedling vigor (Vigor Index I = 2055.57) and root–shoot ratio (0.60) were observed in integrated treatments, indicating improved biomass allocation and stress adaptation potential. Principal Component Analysis explained over 90% of the variability in germination traits and 75% in seedling growth, clearly distinguishing superior treatments. The findings demonstrate that integrated seed enhancement strategies synergistically improve physiological performance, nutrient acquisition, and early growth dynamics. These results highlight the potential of combining priming, bioinoculants, and coating technologies to optimize seedling production and establishment of tree plantations and agroforestry ecosystems.