Effect of Seed Priming on Growth Attributes of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)

Abstract

Seed priming is a low cost, ecofriendly technique that involves controlled hydration of seeds to activate pre- germinative metabolic processes without initiating radical emergence. Buckwheat serves as an excellent cover crop due to its quick ground coverage, weed suppression ability, and contribution to soil fertility. The present study aimed to determines the effect of seed priming on growth attributes of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.). The investigation was carried out during the Rabi Season of 2024 at Himalayan University farm, Jollang, Itanagar, to determine the response of Seed Priming on the growth of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) The experiment was outlined in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. The treatment includes, T1- Control (unprimed seeds), T2- Gibberellic Acid (GA3) at 200 ppm, T3- GA3 at 100 ppm, T4- KH2PO4 @ 2%, T5- KH2PO4 @3%, T6- Tulsi leaf extract @5%, T7-Tulsi leaf extract @75%, T8- Neem leaf extract @5%, T9- Neem leaf extract @75%.The study recorded significant difference among treatments in terms of plant height, leaf length, and leaf width, and dry weight at30, 60 and 90 DAS.The result revealed that the treatment T2 - Gibberellic acid at 200 ppm (GA3) was found to be best treatment for obtaining maximum plant height, leaf length,leaf width and dry weight, indicating the effect of GA3 at 200 ppm. These superior results can be attributed to the biochemical effects of gibberellic acid in enhancing seed germination, nutrient mobilization, and enzyme activity, leading to better root and enzyme activity, leading to better root and shoot establishment. Therefore, seed priming with GA3 at 200 ppm can be considered a highly beneficial agronomic practice for improving the growth performance and dry matter accumulation in buckwheat under field condition.