Effect of different seed priming treatments on germination of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

In order to sort out the problem of uneven and poor germination during early seasons (Feb-March) in okra the effect of seed priming treatments and soaking durations on germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling length (root length + shoot length), seed vigor index was studied. Okra seeds primed with four priming treatments T1 (hydropriming), T2, T3 (osmo-priming with 5% PEG and 10% PEG), T4 (distilled water) with soaking durations from 6 to 48 hrs at 6 hrs interval (i.e.) 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 hrs were used. Dry okra seeds were considered control treatment that was 0 h soaked. Priming treatments and soaking durations significantly affected germination percentage, number of days to germinated seeds, seedling growth, and seed vigour index of germinating okra seeds. The maximum increase was observed in T2 followed by T1, T3 and T4. These factors contribute to better establishment of okra crop.