Effect of hydro priming durations on germination response of aged tomato and brinjal seeds

Abstract

Seed priming is an important technique used to enhance seed quality under normal as well as under stress conditions. Among several priming techniques, hydro priming is the easiest and the cheapest method to enhance seed quality parameters. In the present investigation we studied the effect of hydro priming durations on quality parameters of old vegetable seeds. One year old seeds of tomato and brinjal were soaked in water for 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. After completion of soaking period the seeds were dried under shade to regain the original weight. Observations were recorded on germination count, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I and II. The experiment was conducted in CRD with four replications. Results revealed that 12 hours of hydro priming durations recorded the maximum germination count (83.0%), speed of germination (2.67), vigour index-I (833.75) and vigour index-II (933.75) in tomato. Hydro priming durations for 12 hours recorded the maximum germination (82.00%) and vigour index-II (1312) but 18 hours of hydro priming durations recorded the highest SV-I (354.13) in brinjal. Germination response to hydro priming durations in tomato and brinjal showed curvilinear relationship with respect.