Evaluation of seed priming methods to improve seed vigour of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Seed priming is a physiological seed treatment which brings about qualitative improvement in the seed which persists even after the treatment is removed. A study was conducted to compare different seed priming methods and optimize the best methodology of seed priming for okra and beetroot. Four methods of priming viz., hydropriming, sand matricpriming, halopriming and osmopriming were evaluated by screening a range of durations and concentrations . The observation of parameters viz., i) percentage of radicle protrusion ii) days for 50% germination iii) days for maximum germination iv) speed of germination and v) germination percentage revealed that the best methodology varied with the crop species. For okra, sand matric priming (3 h in 60% WHC of sand) was found to be the best, while for beetroot, hydropriming (12 h in water at double the volume of seed) was optimum. The experiment underscored that inorder to harness maximum potential of seed priming, the most suitable method and methodology should be adopted, specific to each crop species.