The influence of osmo-priming on germination parameters of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (fluted pumpkin)

Abstract

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) seed germination proceeds once adequate temperature and moisture content have been reached and dormancy is broken. Seed priming is a technique in which seeds are hydrated (control hydration) and dried to their original moisture content while preventing radicle emergence. The study aims to investigate the consequence of osmo-priming on the germination parameters of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Laboratory studies were carried out using 36 seeds of fluted pumpkin which was osmoprimed with NaCl (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar), MgCl2 (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar) and KCl (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar). Data on germination percentage, growth parameters, and chlorophyll content showed a significant difference in germination percentages between osmoprimed seeds and control seeds. The time of germination in osmoprimed seeds was significantly reduced when compared with control. The germination rate index (64%) was different between controls and osmoprimed seeds with 0.05 millimolar KCl and 0.10 millimolar MgCl2 (). The growth parameters of seedlings 15 days after sowing showed significant increas in the number of leaves, number of root branches and chlorophyll content. Seed osmopriming may be a sustainable method to increase crop production in T.ccidentalis.