Effect of bio-priming using bio-control agents on seed germination and seedling vigour in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) ‘PKM 1’

Abstract

SummaryAn investigation was carried out using ‘PKM 1’ chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seed to standardise bio-priming with the bio-control agents Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens in order to improve seed germination and seedling vigour. To optimise the concentration and duration of bio-priming, seeds were bio-primed with T. viride or P. fluorescens at 40, 60, or 80% (w/v) in water for 3, 6, 9, or 12 h. Seeds were also hydro-primed for 3, 6, 9, or 12 h and non-primed seeds were used as controls. Bio-priming with T. viride at 60% (w/v) for 3 h gave the highest values for all parameters measured, including rate of germination (9.8), the germination percentage (93%), mean root length (80 mm), mean shoot length (63 mm), biomass production (4.3 mg seedling–1), and seedling vigour index (SVI; 1,330) compared to non-primed seed (SVI = 855). P. fluorescens treatment at 60% (w/v) for 12 h also increased the rate of germination (10.8), the germination percentage (95%), mean root length (82 mm), mean shoot length (70 mm), biomass production (4.7 mg seedling–1), and SVI (1,406) compared to non-primed seed (SVI = 855). Seed bio-priming with 60% (w/v) preparations of T. viride or P. fluorescens for 3 h or 12 h, respectively, can therefore be adopted to improve seed germination and seedling vigour in chilli.