Seed quality enhancement through priming treatments in onion (Allium cepa L.)
Loading...
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CCSHAU
Abstract
Onion seeds are micro-biotic in nature and loose the viability rapidly after harvest. If special
precautions are not taken during storage, a serious problem in germination exists for the carry-over
seed stocks. Fungicide treatments are discouraged due to toxic residues and development of resistance
in pathogens. Hence, there is an urgent need for safer method of pathogen control through bio friendly
compounds like chitosan, aloe vera, trichoderma and other growth regulators. So, the present study was
planned to assess the seed quality by various priming treatments in onion. Significant enhancement in
seed quality parameters was observed in all the treatments and maximum enhancement in germination
was recorded in the seed hydrated with 100ppm GA3 followed by seed coated with aloe vera gel. In
field condition aloe vera gel coated seed performed better and recorded maximum seedling
establishment. All the treatment maintained the germination percentage above IMSCS after nine
months except the seed treated with 100ppm chitosan. Lower concentration of chitosan i.e. 50ppm
enhanced the seed quality parameters but as the concentration increases, it inversely affects the seed
quality parameters. Same trend was also observed for other seed quality parameters viz. seedling
length, seedling dry weight, vigour indices and electrical conductivity. The concentration of the
primers also affected the seed quality parameters during storability. Hence, priming treatment should
be given with optimum concentration in onion seed to maintain the seed quality during storage. It was
concluded from the study that germination can be maintained above IMSCS in onion seed by treating
seeds with GA3 100ppm & aloe vera when stored in plastic containers (700gauge) under ambient
conditions.
Description
Keywords
null