Bio-priming : a precision approach to augment seed emergence and yield in Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)

Abstract

Bio-priming, a novel seed treatment technique, has garnered attention forits capacity to enhance seed germination, crop growth, and yield. Thisstudy aimed to assess the efficacy of Trichoderma (commercial strains)and Bacillus and Pseudomonas (newly isolated strains) as sole inoculantsand co-inoculants with soaking agents during seed bio-priming to enhanceseed germination and initial seedling growth of ajwain. A randomized blockdesign (RBD) was employed, comprising seven treatments replicated-1three times each. The highest seed yield (2510.247 kgha ) and associatedattributes were observed in treatment T5 (Chitosan + Trichoderma viride)-1compared to the control (2068.51 kg ha ). Treatment T3 (Chitosan +Bacillus paramycoides + Pseudomonas aeruginosa) improved allparameters, including final germination, shoot length, root length, plantheight, primary and secondary branches, and test weight, compared to thecontrol. The correlation analysis revealed positive associations between-1yield and plant height, umbellateumbelkgha , seed emergence,-1 secondary branch, and umbelplantkgha . Consequently, Trichodermastrains followed by Bacillus paramycoides + Pseudomonas aeruginosacombined with chitosan exhibit potential as both single inoculants and co-inoculants for ajwain bio-priming, pending further validation throughfarmer field evaluations