Standardization of suitable concentration and duration of seed biopriming with humic acid in chilli

Abstract

Laboratory experiment was carried out to standardize the suitable concentration and duration of seed biopriming with humic acid to improve seed germination and seedling vigour. To optimise the concentration and duration of bio-priming, seeds were bio-primed with humic acid at 5, 10, 15 and 20 % for 3, 6, 9 and 12 h. Seeds were also hydro-primed for 3, 6, 9 and 12 h and non-primed seeds were used as controls. The result revealed that seed bioprimed with humic acid 10% for 9h was found to be the best biopriming treatment which improved the speed of germination, germination percentage, seedling length, dry matter production, vigour index over nonprimed seed.