Influence of GA3 and growing media on germination parameters and seedling development of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady

Abstract

The present study was conducted during 2024-25 at the Department of Fruit Science, Krantikari Debaridhur College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur (C.G.), to evaluate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and growing media on seed germination and seedling growth of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with sixteen treatment combinations consisting of four GA₃ concentrations (0, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) and four media compositions (Soil, Soil + FYM, Soil + Vermicompost, and Soil + FYM + Vermicompost). Observations were recorded for germination percentage, days to start germination, rate of emergence, germination index, seed vigour index (I & II), survival percentage, germination value, and speed of emergence. Results revealed that both GA₃ concentration and media composition significantly influenced germination and seedling performance. Among treatments, G₃ (200 ppm GA₃) recorded the highest germination percentage (86.23%), maximum vigour index (4572.24%), and superior survival rate (92.11%), while the lowest values were observed in untreated seeds (G₀). Similarly, M₃ (Soil + FYM + Vermicompost, 1:1:1) produced the highest germination percentage (92.04%) and seedling vigour, indicating that enriched organic media created a favourable environment for germination and establishment. The combined treatment G₃M₃ proved most effective, producing early, uniform, and vigorous seedlings. The improvement in performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of GA₃ in breaking dormancy and the enhanced nutrient and microbial status of the organic media. The study concludes that pre-soaking papaya seeds in 200 ppm GA₃ and sowing in a Soil + FYM + Vermicompost (1:1:1) medium optimizes germination and seedling growth under Bastar agro-climatic conditions.