Influence of Seed Priming on Germination of Pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

Purpose: The Seed priming is an efficient method for synchronizing germination and increasing seed vigor. The experiment was performed in Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan, to study and quantify the effect of different types of seed priming on the seed germination percentage and shoot and root length of pea.
 Methodology: The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements. Five different priming treatments we used; T1 Soaking in water for 12 hours, T2 Soaking in 50oC hot water for 10 minutes, T3 Soaking in 2% NaCl solution for 10 minutes, T4 Soaking in 50% H2SO4 solution for 10 minutes, T5 Control (no priming).
 Findings: The results indicated a significant/ high effect of the priming treatments on the germination percentage, length of shoot, and length of roots. The highest germination percentage about (98%), the highest length of shoot about (4.26 cm), and the highest length of root about (10.92 cm) were observed from T3. The lowest germination percentage about (76%), the lowest length of shoot about (2.24cm), or the lowest length of root about (1.12 cm), result was observed from the (T5). These treatments were followed by germination percentage of about (94%), shoot length about (3.54 cm), and the length of root about (9.74 cm) from T2. It was followed by germination percentage of (88%) shoot length about (3.34 cm), length of root about (8.28 cm) from T1. This was followed by the germination percentage about (86%), shoot length about (2.44 cm), and length of root about (8.4 cm) from T4.
 Conclusion: Result of this experiment show significant effect of the priming treatment on the majority of seed germination and growth of components in the pea grain, including seed germination percentage, shoot and root length of pea.
 Recommendations: The study recommended that farmers to adopt seed priming. These practices among smallholder’s farmers should focus on enhancement of farmer awareness and know about seed priming. When farmers see that seed does not germinate properly like they expect, they should apply seed priming treatments.