Effect of Seed Priming on Seed Quality Attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Effect of seed priming on seed quality attributes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The field experiment was carried out at the crop research centre of department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, ITM University, Gwalior rabi season 2021-2022.Field and Laboratory experiment (variety G2-315) with 10 treatments. Viz T1- Tulsi leaf extract @ 1 % (12hours). T2 - Tulsi leaf extract @ 3% (12hours). T3 Tulsi leaf extract @5% (12hours). T4 Neem seed extract 1% (12hours), TS- Neem seed extract @ 3% (12hours), T6- Neem seed extract @ 5% (12hours), 17- KNO3 @ 1% (12 hours). T8 - KNO3 @ 3% (12 hours). T9 - KNO3 @ 5% (12hours). T10- Control. In all treatment, the seeds of chickpea were soaked for 12 hours and dried for 2 hours except control (untreated seeds). It was found that all the priming treatments showed significance difference with the control while highest plant height, number of primary branches per plant germination percentage. Days to 50% flowering. Number of siliqua per plant. Number of seeds per siliqua, seed weight (gm), and seed quality parameters viz, Germination percentage (%), Root length (cm), Shoot length (cm), Seedling length (cm). Seedling fresh weight (gm). Seedling dry weight (gm), Vigour index-1, Vigour index -II. electrical conductivity were observed for seeds treated with T9-KNO3@ 5% followed by T3-Tulsi Leaf Extract @ 5%, while the lowest was observed in T10-Control. The study helps to study field and seed quality parameters with the help of seed priming treatments which are effective, economic, non-toxic and eco-friendly sources.