Influence of hydropriming on seed quality attributes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

摘要

Seed priming, particularly hydropriming is a low cost technology in which controlled hydration of seeds followed by re-drying is done to break dormancy, improve seed germination, stand and establishment. The present study on hydropriming was taken up to determine the optimum priming temperature and duration of soaking, by using two vigour levels and also to know the influence of these factors on seed quality attributes in cucumber. Among the vigour levels, significantly higher first count germination, final count germination, Bartlett Rate Index (BRI), mean seedling length (MSL), mean seedling dry weight (MSDW), SVI-I and SVI-II were registered in high vigour seeds (82.67%, 92.22%, 0.523%, 26.38 cm, 8.32 mg, 2437 and 766, respectively). The low vigour seeds have recorded 30.65 per cent increase in the final count germination in contrast to 8.21 per cent increase in high vigour seeds, compared to unprimed seeds. Among temperatures, significantly higher first count germination, final count germination, BRI, MSL and SVI-I were registered at 25 degrees C (72.00%, 80.44%, 0.501, 26.41 cm and 2153, respectively) and also lower T₅₀ value and MGT (2.00 and 2.27 days, respectively). Among duration of soaking, significantly higher first count germination, final count germination, BRI, MSL, MSDW, SVI-I and SVI-II were registered in 48 h soaking (82.67%, 86.67%, 0.534, 30.37 cm, 8.87 mg, 2630 and 766, correspondingly) and also lower T₅₀ value and MGT (1.33 and 1.67 days). Therefore, hydropriming at 25+or-1 degrees C for 48 h was found to be optimum 48 h for priming in cucumber.