Effect of different seed priming treatments and its duration on seedling characters of Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The experiment was conducted in Post Graduate Laboratory Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding SHUATS, Allahabad, U.P during 2015-2017, in order to standardize the suitable methods of priming of along with control Bitter guard seeds. Seeds of Bitter gourd primed with hydro-priming, halo-priming, osmo-priming were evaluated by screening a range of durations and concentration viz, T0 - Unprimed Control, T1-2 - Distilled water hydration (for 6 and 12 hrs), T3-4 NaCl (for 6 and 12 hrs) and T5-6 PEG (for 6 and 12 hrs). Observation shows that the Osmo-priming 12 hrs of Bitter Guard displayed significant high percent of seed germination, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight, speed of germination and vigour as compared to other treatment and unprimed. Less priming time performance decreased germination and vigour of seeds. It is also found that osmo-priming 12 hrs could to be increase the seedling parameters. The present study helps to improve the seedling parameters with the help of seed priming treatments which are cost effective and economic, non toxic, eco friendly sources.