Seed Treatment :: Methods

SEED PRIMING

What is? Seed priming is the process of controlled hydration of seeds to a level that permits pre-germinative metabolic activity to proceed, but prevents actual emergence of the radicle.

Types of priming
  • Hydro priming (use of water double the volume of seed)
  • Halo priming (use of salt solution-NaCl)
  • Osmo priming (use of osmotic solution – PEG)
  • Sand matric priming – (use of moist sand)

Methodology
For the first three methods soak the seed in the respective solution of definite concentration for needed duration and dry back the seed to original moisture content.
For the fourth method mix the seeds with moist sand of required water holding capacity, place it in perforated plastic covers and keep it deep in the tray filled with moist sand of same water holding capacity.

Crop Seed priming techniques
Tomato Hydro priming (48hrs)
Brinjal Sand matric 80% (3 days)
Chillies Sand matric 80% (3 days)
Onion Sand matric 80% (3 days)
Carrot Hydro priming (36hrs)
Beetroot Hydro priming (12hrs)
Bhendi Sand matric60% (3hrs)
Radish Hydro priming (12hrs)
Mustard Hydro priming (12hrs)

Comparison of control and primed bhendi seed

Creation of different WHC (Water Holding Capacity)
30% WHC – 90ml of water / kg of dry sand
40% WHC – 120 ml of water / kg of dry seed
60% WHC – 180 ml of water / kg of dry seed
80% WHC – 240 ml of water / kg of dry seed
100% WHC – 300 ml of water / kg of dry seed

Advantages

  • Enhances the germination percentage
  • Enhances the speed and uniformity of germination
  • Improves the resistance towards water and temperature stress
  • Increases the shelf life of seed
  • Highly suitable for small seeds
  • Enhances the yield
Updated On: Jan, 2016
 

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