Screening of superior germplasm of Mucuna pruriens (L.) based upon germination parameters

Abstract

Germination is one of the most important criteria of seed quality, because it affects crop establishment and therefore the yield and quality of the future harvest. Good germination is measured by the lesser time taken for initiation of germination, germination period and completion of germination by accession. Lesser the time taken by accession to germinate better will be the accession. In this context, a systematic research trial was conducted at AICRP (M&APs) farm, BAU in 2017 to evaluate various germination parameters of 24 germplasm of Mucuna pruriens thus to select superior germplasm of it. Minimum time for initiation of germination was observed for MP14 accession (4.00 days). Minimum time for the germination period was observed for MP3, MP4, MP9, MP11 and MP19 (3.25 days). Minimum time taken for the completion of germination was recorded for MP5 (6.75 days). Maximum germination rate was recorded for MP9 and MP19 (0.151). When rate of germination reached its peak, maximum germination energy was recorded for MP8 (58.41). MP8 and MP19 showed highest germination percentage as 100.00. However grand mean of germination percentage of all the 24 accessions was recorded as 86.62%, which showed the higher viability of Mucuna seeds in general. Maximum survival percentage was recorded for MP8 (95%) with grand mean of all the 24 accessions as 80.87%.