Abstract
Freshly harvested seeds of chilli variety Anugraha were treated with halogens namely Calcium oxy chloride (CaOCl2) and Iodine crystal (I2) indirectly through a carrier Calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The treatments included Control (Untreated), CaOCl2 + CaCO3 (2g each/kg seed), CaOCl2 + CaCO3 (4g each/kg seed), Iodine crystal + CaCO3 (50mg each/kg seed) and Iodine crystal + CaCO3 (100mg each/kg seed). Seed treatment with CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @2g each/kg seed registered significantly higher values for fruits per plant, fruit weight, seed yield per plant and hundred seed weight followed by CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @4g each/kg seed. The treatments, CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @2 g each/kg seed and Iodine crystal + CaCO3 @100mg each/kg seed performed superior in seed quality with higher seedling vigour and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachates over other treatments, while untreated control recorded least seedling vigour indices and highest electrical conductivity.
Highlights
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is extensively cultivated as a vegetable and spice in India
Harvested seeds of chilli variety Anugraha were treated with halogens namely Calcium oxy chloride (CaOCl2) and Iodine crystal (I2) indirectly through a carrier Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
The treatments, CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @2 g each/kg seed and Iodine crystal + CaCO3 @100mg each/kg seed performed superior in seed quality with higher seedling vigour and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachates over other treatments, while untreated control recorded least seedling vigour indices and highest electrical conductivity
Summary
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is extensively cultivated as a vegetable and spice in India. The lion’s share in global production of chilli is contributed by India, followed by China. Seeds often germinate slowly in both normal and stress conditions (Demir & Okcu, 2004). The seeds possess non- starchy endosperm which act as mechanical barrier to growing embryo, affecting germination process. The seeds exhibit dormancy to varying extent causing hindrance to germination, even if they had attained necessary physiological growth to support germination (Patra et al, 2017). Slow germination can lead to susceptibility of seeds and young seedlings to diseases. Chilli seed producers may encounter several obstacles owing to slow germination and infection of seeds resulting in reduced seed yield and quality
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