Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Different Priming Methods on Seed Quality,Biochemical Changes andStorability of China Aster (Callistephus Chinensis L. Nees)

Vimala B and Pratap M

A laboratory experiment, “Effect of different priming methods on seed quality,biochemical changes and storability of china aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees)” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Dr.Y.S.R. Horticulture University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2011-12. This experiment had two factors. The experiment consisted of two different ages of the seed viz., one year old seed (S₁) and Half year old seed (S₂) and four treatments viz., Hydro priming (T₁), Osmo priming(T₂), Halo priming(T₃), Unprimed as control (T₄) as another factor, which was replicated four times in completely randomized design with factorial concept. Seed samples were primed and kept in polyethythelene bag and stored for six months at ambient condition. The results emanated from the experiment revealed that, amongest the two different ages of the seed, six months old seed recorded maximum germination percentage, field emergence, speed of germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigor index and least was observed in one year old seed. Amongst the priming treatments, priming of seed with KNO₃ @ 0.5% resulted in best performance of the seed regarding all the physiological and biochemical parameters followed by hydro priming. Unprimed seed (control) failed to exert any significant influence on the quality parameters. Storage of the treated seeds up to six months resulted in a gradual decrease in performance of the seed. However, storage of the six months old KNO₃ treated seed up to six months was found to be good compared to one year old seed regarding all the quality parameters.