The effect of Pottasium Nitrate (KNO3) priming on Periwinkle seed germination and seedlings growth

In order to study the effect of seed priming with Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) on seed germination and growth of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus L.) seedlings, an experiment carried out based on completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were KNO3 concentrations (5, 10 and 20 mM) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours and the control. The results showed that the percentage and rate of germination, seedling length and dry weight were significantly influenced by KNO3 priming. KNO3 priming were improved the germination and seedling growth properties. The highest percentage and rate of germination, seedling length and dry weight were obtained with 20 mM concentration of KNO3for 48 hours, which were significantly higher than those of the control seeds. The germination percentage and seedling dry weight, at 20 mM KNO3 for 24 hours was not significantly different from thoses for 48 hours treatment. Priming with KNO3, was increased the seedling growth through improved seed germination. Genarlly, seed application of priming with 20 mM concentration of KNO3 for 48 hourshad the highest promoting effects on the periwinkle seed germination and seedlings growth.