Priming and vigor of melon seeds
Abstract
Controlled hydration can promote the germination and establishment of plants of various species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydropriming on germination, emergence and seedling development of melon. To this end, melon seeds of the hybrids Mandacaru and Vereda, represented by two lots, were hydroprimed on paper towel at 20 °C until they reached 39.1% (Vereda) and 44.1% (Mandacaru) water content. After that, part of the seeds was dried at 28 to 34 °C room temperature and 45 to 55% relative humidity until water contents were between 7.9 and 8.2%. The physiological potential of seeds was determined in laboratory, evaluating percentage and index of germination speed. The percentage and index of emergence speed, and height and dry mass of seedlings 12 days after sowing were later determined in greenhouse. Hydropriming promoted beneficial effects on the characteristics of germination and vigor of melon seeds hybrids in the two lots assessed.
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