Optimizing duration of hydro priming for seed quality enhancement in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

Poor seed germination is one of the major problem incultivation of medicinal plants. Seed priming is an efficient method for increasing of seed vigour and improvement of germination and seedling growth. The laboratory experiment was conducted at the Seed Science and Technology unit, Department of plant breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam to improve the seed germination and vigour potential of seeds. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of hydro priming (non-priming (control), 2h, 4h, 6h, 8h and 12 hours hydro priming) treatment on seed parameters of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). The results showed that the effect of hydro priming was significant on germination percentage and seedling vigour Mean comparison showed that the maximum germination (70 %), shoot length (2.4cm), root length (1.9 cm), and vigour index (301) were achieved at12 h of seed priming compared to control. Moreover, hydro priming 12 h treatment can be successfully applied on basil seeds to improve physiological performance.