Abstract
The effects of solid matrix priming with strain T22 of Trichoderma harzianum on seed germination, seedling emergence and photosynthetic capacity in two eggplant varieties were evaluated. Seed were primed by mixing with vermiculite and the T. harzianum wettable powder (WP) suspension at a rate of 1:3:3.2 (fresh weigh basis, respectively) at 15°C for 7 days in the dark, then primed seed were dried. Solid matrix priming (SMP) with T. harzianum increased seed germination vigor, germination index and seedling emergence, decreased mean emergence time, enhanced seedlings quality and photosynthetic characteristics of eggplant. The result indicates that SMP with T. harzianum could serve as an effective way to improve seeds germination and seedling emergence and promote plant growth of eggplant. Key words: Solid matrix priming, Trichoderma harzianum, germination, seedling vigor, photosynthetic capacity, eggplant.
Highlights
Optimum eggplant seed germination and seedling emergence occur at relatively high temperatures (25 to 30°C)
The effects of solid matrix priming with strain T22 of Trichoderma harzianum on seed germination, seedling emergence and photosynthetic capacity in two eggplant varieties were evaluated
The result indicates that Solid matrix priming (SMP) with T. harzianum could serve as an effective way to improve seeds germination and seedling emergence and promote plant growth of eggplant
Summary
Optimum eggplant seed germination and seedling emergence occur at relatively high temperatures (25 to 30°C). Poor germination and delayed seedling emergence are common phenomenon at sub-optimal temperatures which is a great concern of growers that grow eggplant especially in late winter and early spring in China. Seed priming is widely used to enhance seed vigor in terms of germination potential and increased stress tolerance. Trichoderma species have been known as biocontrol agents and plant growth stimulators that are widely used as seed treatments to control diseases and to enhance plant growth and yield (Sophie and Rudy, 1996; Nagaraju et al, 2012).
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