Optimizing duration of hydro-priming for seed quality enhancement in cotton
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Authors
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GEETA BASSI
Seed Technology Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Author
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H.S. RANDHAWA
Seed Technology Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Author
Keywords:
Cotton, seed priming duration, seed quality enhancementAbstract
Seeds of five varieties of cotton were primed for different durations, dried and their subsequent seed quality parameters like germination percent, speed of germination, emergence percent, vigour index and activity of hydrolyzing enzymes were analyzed according to time duration for hydro- priming. The values of hydro-priming time accounted for 92% (30°C for 3 h), 78% (30°C for 6h), and 65% (30°C for 8h) of germination following priming. Seed priming is based upon seed water relations, it was hypothesized that the sensitivity of germination to reduced water potential before priming might be mechanistically related to, and therefore predictive of, priming duration responsiveness. This technique assures the superior performance and has found commercial applications. Seed hydration is a process, whereby seeds are hydrated and then re-dried to permit routine handling. This process results in increased germination rate, more uniform emergence, germination under a broader range of environments and improved seedling vigour and growth. However, there is insufficient information for the duration of priming during which the seed quality can be enhanced effectively. Therefore, response of different priming durations on different seed vigour and related parameters wee evaluated in five commercial genotypes of cotton viz. three Bt (NCS 857, MRC 7017, MRC 7031) and two non Bt (LHH 144-American type and PAU 626H-desi type). The pre-sowing seed priming durations were slow hydration at room temperature for 3h, 6h and 8h. The pre-sowing seed hydration for 3h was observed to be most effective in promoting the different seed vigour parameters like germination percentage, speed of germination, emergence percent and vigour index. Amylase activity was also observed to be maximum during initial 48h of germination. Therefore, it was concluded that for getting maximum seed germination and seed vigour in cotton, the seed may be hydrated for 3h prior to sowing.
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References
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