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Influence of Hydro priming of seeds on growth parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Kumarimanimuthu Veeral D and P. Kalaimathi
Number of views: 336
Germination and seedling emergence are the critical stages in the plant’s life cycle. Insufficient seedling emergence and inappropriate stand establishment are the main constraints in the production of crops which receiving less rainfall. On the other hand good establishment increases competitiveness against weeds, increases tolerance to drought period, increases yield and avoids the time consuming need for re-sowing that is costly too. A field study was conducted at farmer’s field of Kodukkanpalayam village in Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu during Rabi 2016, to assess the effect of hydro priming duration on growth components of Groundnut. The experiment was adopted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatment and three replications. The treatments consist of seed hydro priming of 0 hours (control), 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. The results indicated that all traits such as percentage of seed germination, seedling emergence, plant height, leaf area, number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) were significantly influenced by the duration of hydro priming. The seeds soaked for 24 hours duration gave the highest percentage of seed germination (97.1%), no damages to testa (outer seed coat) and seedling establishment was within 3-5 days, whereas the seed soaked for 72 hours was the least. Therefore, the results suggested that hydro priming is a useful method of improving the percentage of seed germination, seedling emergence, stand establishment and productivity of groundnut. Hence it should be recommended for groundnut growing farmers of cuddalore district to adopt this cost-effective technology in the production of groundnut.