Effect of pre-sowing seed treatments on germination, seedling growth and viability of custard apple (Annona squamosa) seeds

摘要

Efforts were made to increase germination and seed longevity of custard apple (Annona squamosa) by pre-sowing seed treatment with different chemicals. The chemicals were ineffective in increasing germination in fresh seeds (one day old) but germination was improved when fresh seeds were soaked in water for 6 hours. NAA at 20 ppm (6-hour soaking) was found to be most effective for retention of seed viability upto 90 days and beyond 90 days; potassium metabisulfide at 200 ppm (6-hour soaking) proved to be most efficacious in increasing seed longevity and seedling vigor in 180 days old seeds.