Seed Priming for Improved Seedling Emergence and Vigour of Cordia (Cordia millennii) Seed

摘要

Effect of seed priming treatments on seedling emergence and vigour traits of Cordia millennii seeds were investigated. Sun dried seeds of this tree plant were treated with different seed priming treatments (solutions of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate and water for 2, 3, and 4 days and hot water temperature at 50, 60 and 70°C for 5, 10 and 15 min soaking time). Seed emergence and vigour traits were assessed and data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significance of treatment means was determined. From the results, water primed seeds had the highest seedling emergence of 18.3% compared to others including the control treatments. Water treatment for 2 days had the highest seedling length and seedling vigour index while there was significant decrease in seedling length with other treatment solutions including the control. Water solution for 2 days had the highest days to emergence compared to other treatments including the control which recorded the lowest days to emergence index (14 days). Water temperature treatment at 70°C for 5 min soaking recorded the highest seedling emergence; emergence index and seedling length while other treatments had similar effect. Also, water temperature treatment at 60°C for5 min had greater rate of emergence and seedling vigour index. In conclusion, the normal water temperature priming to improve seedling emergence and vigour of C. millennii is 60 or 70°C with 5 min soaking duration. Further studies, which will enhance higher seedling emergence of C. millennii above the present level of 40% are hereby advocated.