thesis by neha dhiman - semantic scholar...dr yashwant singh parmar university of horticulture and...

1985

EFFECT OF HYDROPRIMING AND POLYMER COATING OFSEEDS ON STORABILITY AND FIELD PERFORMANCE IN

OKRA [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Thesis

by

NEHA DHIMAN(H-2013-55-M)

Submitted to

DR YASHWANT SINGH PARMAR UNIVERSITY OFHORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY, NAUNI

SOLAN - 173 230 (HP), INDIA

in

Partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (Ag.) SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PLANT SCIENCE

2015

Dr D K MehtaSenior Scientist

Department of Seed Science and TechnologyDr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture andForestry, Nauni, Solan – 173 230 (HP)

CERTIFICATE - I

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Effect of hydropriming and polymer

coating of seeds on storability and field performance in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus

(L.) Moench]”, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of

Master of Science (Ag.) Seed Science and Technology in the discipline of Plant Science to

Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) is a

record of bonafide research work carried out by Ms Neha Dhiman (H-2013-55-M) daughter

of Shri Balak Ram under my guidance and supervision. No part of this thesis has been

submitted for any other degree or diploma.

The assistance and help received during the course of investigations have been fully

acknowledged.

Place: Nauni, Solan (Dr D K Mehta)Dated: 12/10/ 2015 Chairman

Advisory Committee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Pride, praise and perfection belong to the irreversible existence of divinity. I bow myhead and thank thy for bestowing me wits and courage to go through this stupendousjuncture.

On the spur of the moment, I owe my very existence to the towering peaks of mylife, my parents (Sh Balak Ram & Smt Kamlesh), dada ji, dadi Ji and my brother whoseblessings, constant encouragement, obstinate sacrifice, selfless love have been the most vitalsource of inspiration and motivation in my life.

With an overwhelming sense of legitimate pride and genuine obligation which givesme exuberant pleasure and privilege to express my indebtedness to my acuminous, prudentand dignified chairman of my advisory committee, Dr D K Mehta, who taught me never tobend to accumulate false pride for his impeccable guidance, immaculate suggestions,analytical rigors, swift execution and finally scanning the manuscript in a scientific andmeticulous manner.

I sincerely and respectfully acknowledge the members of my advisory committee,Dr H S Kanwar, Dr Ramesh Kumar Bhardwaj and Dr Sunita Chandel for their valuablesuggestions and guidance.

I have been fortunate in getting the intelligent guidance by all my seniors and I alsoexpress my heartfelt gratitude for enthusiastic co-operation by my classmates Cherry,Ankita, Ravinder, Lalit, Geetika and Neha.

Heartiest considerations are also due to my ever dearest friends Anu, Kinnu, Kavu,Khushi, Pammi, Suju, Savi, Sumi, Reena, Ritu and Yogi for their continuousencouragement. I specially thank Monika di and Shweta di for their help and moralsupport. Facilities and co-operation provided by Roop singh uncle and field staff especiallyInder uncle of Department of Seed Science & Technology is thankfully acknowledged.

Last, but by no means the least, I am thankful to direct and indirect help receivedfrom various other sources. Needless to say, errors and omissions are solely mine.

Date: 12/10/2015Place: Nauni, Solan (Neha Dhiman)

CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE(S)

1. INTRODUCTION 1-3

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4-15

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 16-27

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 28-64

5. DISCUSSION 65-78

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 79-83

7. REFERENCES 84-92

ABSTRACT 93

APPENDICES I-X

LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

3.1 Meteorological data obtained on rainfall, temperature andrelative humidity during the course of investigation

17

4.1 Standardization of hydropriming duration for okra seeds 29

4.2 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seed germination (%) after different periods of storage

32

4.3 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seedling length (cm) after different periods of storage

36

4.4 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seedling dry weight (mg) after different periods of storage

38

4.5 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seed vigour index-I after different periods of storage

41

4.6 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seed vigour index-II after different periods of storage

44

4.7 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson emergence and growth characteristics in fresh crop production ofokra

48

4.8 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson different horticultural characteristics in fresh crop production ofokra

51

4.9 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson fruit yield and contributing characteristics in fresh cropproduction in okra

54

4.10 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson growth and yield characteristics in seed crop production in okra

57

4.11 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seed yield and contributing characteristics in okra

60

4.12 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactionson seed quality characters of harvested seeds of okra

63

LIST OF PLATES

Plate Title BetweenPage(s)

1 Treatment combinations of hydropriming and polymer coating 64-65

2 Treatment combinations of hydropriming and polymer coating 64-65

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title BetweenPage(s)

4.1 Standardization of hydropriming duration of okra seeds 29

Chapter-1

INTRODUCTION

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], belonging to family Malvaceae, is a

native of Tropical Africa. The crop is highly nutritious and considered as a source of valuable

nutrients. It is also called “a perfect villager’s vegetable” due to its robust nature, dietary

fibres and distinct seed protein, balanced in both lysine and tryptophan amino acids (Kumar

et al., 2010). The immature fruits are used for consumption purpose while the dried seeds,

roasted or grounded, are used as coffee additive or substitute. Moreover, okra mucilage is

suitable for medicinal and industrial applications. It medicinally used as plasma replacement

or blood volume expander. Industrially, okra mucilage is usually used to glace certain papers

and also useful in confectionary (Benchasri, 2012). The major okra growing states in India

are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In

India, okra is cultivated in an area of 532.66 thousand hectares and with the production of

6346.37 thousand metric tonnes. In Himachal Pradesh, crop is grown during summer and

rainy seasons in low and mid hills occupying an area of 2.76 thousand hectares with annual

production of 34.03 thousand metric tonnes (www.nhb.gov.in, 2014).

Okra is an annual vegetable crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of

Africa and Asia. It thrives well in the hot humid season. It is mainly grown as a summer and

rainy season crop in India (Baloch, 1994). Okra seeds best germinate at temperature range of

25-35°C (Chauhan, 1972). In contrast, when these okra seeds are sown in early spring season,

they show poor germination due to low temperature. This reduced, delayed and erratic

emergence is a serious problem in okra cultivation in early spring season as it creates

problem in uniform field stand and rapid germination. Another major problem in germination

of okra seeds is hard seed coat which restricts the water imbibition and uniform growth and

development of embryo (Mereddy et al., 2000). The seed hardness interferes with seed

germination (Mahmoudi et al., 2012).

This problem of germination in okra can be overcome by many techniques and seed

priming is one of them. Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment in which seeds are

allowed to imbibe water to start pre-germinative metabolic processes but insufficient for

radical protrusion. The activity of many enzymes involved in mobilization of food reserves is

2

triggered (Srinivasan et al., 2009). After priming, seeds are dried back to its original moisture

content to enable normal handling, storage and planting (Varier et al., 2010). But before

priming any crop seeds, the knowledge of safe limits of priming duration is very important to

get maximum effect.

Priming not only improves the seed germination under sub-optimum temperature but

also helps to soften the hard seed coat. Seed deterioration can be controlled through priming

prior to storage because priming activates antioxidant enzymes examples like catalase,

peroxidase, superoxidase and lowers per-oxidation in seed (Rahman et al., 2013). “On farm”

seed priming which entails soaking seeds, overnight, before sowing is a simple technology

that farmers can use to improve crop establishment and increase yield (Harris, 2010).

In the present study, hydropriming was used as a method of seed priming.

Hydropriming is achieved by continuous or successive addition of a limited amount of water

to the seeds. Hydropriming is a very important technique which results in rapid germination

and uniform stand establishment in various crops (Adebisi et al., 2013). Seed germination

and seedling growth has been reported to be improved through the process of hydropriming.

Hydropriming improved the field performance of barley and chickpea (Rashid et al., 2006;

Ghassemi-Golezami et al., 2008). It is a very simple, economical and environment friendly

technique because simple water is used.

As seed is an efficient carrier for survival and dissemination of pathogens. Therefore,

it is advisable to coat the seeds with polymers, fungicides, insecticides etc. Seed polymer

coating is a sophisticated process of applying precise amount of active ingredients

alongwith a liquid polymer directly on to the seed surface without obscuring its shape. The

polymer coat provides protection from the stress imposed by accelerated ageing, which

includes fungal invasion. It improves plant stand and field emergence of seeds. Accurate

application of chemical reduces the chemical wastage and helps to make room for including

required ingredients like protectants, nutrients, plant growth promoters, etc. by encasing the

seed with a thin film of biodegradable polymer (Kumar et al., 2013).

The increase in germination can be seen in polycoated seeds. It is due to increase in

the rate of imbibition where the fine particles in the coating act as a ‘wick’ or moisture

attracting material or perhaps to improve seed soil contact. Coating with polymer regulates

the rate of water uptake, reduce imbibition damage and improve the emergence of seeds

3

(Chandravathi, 2008). Polymer coating also makes sowing operation easier due to the smooth

flow of seeds. Addition of colourants helps in visual monitoring of placement accuracy,

enhance the appearance, marketability and consumer preference.

The polymer coating act as physical barrier which has been reported to reduce the

leaching of inhibitors from seed covering. Therefore, it is one of best alternative approach to

maintain seed quality during storage. Studies on hydropriming and polymer coating are

encouraging for improving storability and field performance but more information is required

before it can be used as a routine practice in seed technology.

Keeping in view the above facts, the present investigation entitled “Effect of

hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on storability and field performance in

okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” has been conducted with following

objectives:-

i) To standardize hydropriming duration of okra seeds.

ii) To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on seed storability.

iii) To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on field performance of okra

seeds.

Chapter-2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A critical and comprehensive review of literature is inevitable for any scientific

investigation. A proper understanding of the problem requires a thorough review of the

existing knowledge of the problem. Maintenance of viability and vigour of the seed is very

important and research on these aspects is of prime importance. The available literature on

influence of hydropriming and polymer coating on seed storability and field performance is

described under 3 sub-headings:

a) Hydropriming

b) Polymer coating

c) Hydropriming & Polymer coating

Hydropriming:

Okra:

Hegazi and Hamideldin (2010) studied the effect of different gamma irradiation doses

(300, 400, 500 Gy) and water soaking (hydropriming) on okra seeds of two varieties (Sabahia

and Balady). Both varieties showed similar trends in response to different treatments. From

the result, it was concluded that pre-sowing treatments were effective in improving plant

growth, seed yield and seed quality.

Pandita et al. (2010) evaluated solid matrix priming (SMP) alone and in combination

with Trichoderma viride or captan, hydropriming and non-primed seeds for seedling

emergence at sub-optimal temperature. Hydropriming improved laboratory germination

similar to SMP. The results suggested that solid matrix priming in combination with

Trichoderma viride can be successfully used to improve seedling emergence and productivity

of okra under low temperature.

Sikhondze and Ossom (2011) conducted an experiment to determine how long okra

seeds should be primed in order to influence seedling growth and development. Four time

durations (6, 12, 24, or 36 hours) were used for hydro priming okra seeds. The results showed

5

that seedlings grown from seeds primed for 24 hours had the greatest mean length and mean

stem diameter, as compared to other durations and control.

Shah et al. (2011) studied the effect of seed priming on okra cv. Sabaz Pari with

different sources of phosphorous and soaking durations. There were four priming resources

(distilled water, 1% phosphorous, solution of each of Diammonium phosphate (DAP), single

super phosphate (SSP), SSP+Na2Co3 ) with soaking durations from 4 hours and their two

folds up to 48 hours alongwith unprimed seeds (control). Results showed that seed priming

with SSP solution for 24 hours duration gave the best results, followed by DAP, while

unprimed seeds proved to be the poorest.

Yadav et al. (2012) conducted an experiment on 15 genotypes of okra planted in

Augmented Block Design and subsequently seeds obtained were treated with three

priming solutions in three replications. Three primers used for seed treatments were

hydropriming, halopriming with calcium chloride and halopriming with potassium nitrate.

The results showed that all seed priming treatments enhance the synchronous germination

and speed of germination in genotypes IC411698 and IC89936.

Raza et al. (2013) studied the effect of seed priming in okra in saline soil under field

environment. A split plot design with two main factors including six priming treatments

(control, hydropriming, ascorbic acid 50mgL-1, 100mgL-1 and salicylic acid 50mgL-1) and

two stress levels (control and 1.25ml NaCl) was implicated. Results showed that

hydropriming was quite effective in improving growth, pigments and yield as compared to

control under both stress levels

Rahman et al. (2013) carried out the research work to find out whether through pre-

storage seed priming treatments, okra seed deterioration during storage can be controlled or

not. Mature okra seeds were primed with water, PEG 8000 and mannitol solutions while dry

seeds used as control. Results showed the reduction in unsaturated fatty acids and protein

content during storage for all the priming treatments.

Nirmala and Umarani (2014) conducted an experiment where the seeds of okra and

beet root were subjected to four methods of priming , by including two durations viz., hydro

priming (12, 24 hours), sand matrix priming (60 % WHC; 3, 6 hours), halopriming ( 3%

NaCl; 12, 24 hours) and osmopriming (PEG, 24 hours two osmotic levels -1 and -1.5 MPa).

6

The results revealed that sand matrix priming (3 hours in 60% WHC of sand) was found to be

the best for okra, while for beet root; hydropriming (for 12 hours in water) was most suitable.

Sharma et al. (2014) studied the comparison of various seed priming methods for seed

germination, seedling vigour and fruit yield in okra. Results revealed that hydropriming for

12 hours and solid matrix priming with calcium aluminium silicate (1:0.4:1; Seed:SM:Water)

for 24 hours significantly increased the seed germination, seedling vigour, mean germination

time and marketable fruit yield in okra cv. Hissar Unnat. Hydropriming, being simple,

economical and safe, is recommended which can be effective to increase the fruit yield up to

55% as compared to control.

Other crops:

Kang et al. (2000) studied the effect of hydropriming to enhance the germination of

bitter gourd seeds. Different seed treatments were evaluated for improving germination. The

results revealed that compared with priming using chemicals (calcium nitrate, potassium

phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium nitrate, potassium hydroxide or

polyethylene glycol), hydropriming was best in promoting germination (91.7%), and the

optimum condition for hydropriming was 25°C for 2 days.

Lin and Sung (2001) reported that pre-sowing treatments such as osmopriming and

hydropriming in the bitter gourd seeds before sowing overcame sub-optimal environmental

effects on germination and subsequent seedling establishment.

Caseiro et al. (2004) studied the effect of osmopriming (aerated PEG 8000 solution),

hydropriming and drum priming on percentage and speed of germination using six lots of

onion seeds. The results showed that response to priming methods varied among seed lots

and, in general, less vigorous onion seed lots did not respond well to priming treatments. The

hydropriming technique was the most effective method for improving speed of germination

for all six lots that were evaluated, especially when 96 hours of priming duration was used.

Hussain et al. (2006) conducted an experiment to evaluate the influence of seed

priming techniques on the seedling establishment, yield and quality of hybrid sunflower.

Hydropriming and osmopriming with NaCl resulted in lowest time taken to 50% emergence,

mean emergence time and higher final emergence, energy of emergence, plant population,

achene yield and yield contributing factors and achene proteins.

7

Huang (2005) conducted an experiment where two triploid watermelon cultivars

(Jinwangzi No. 1 and Guangxi No. 5) were subjected to hydropriming treatments. The

hydration process significantly enhanced germination performance in both cultivars, and

further improvement was observed when the dehydration process was applied. The results

revealed that storability of triploid watermelon seeds was improved by hydropriming

treatments i.e. the hydroprimed seeds lost germinability slower than nonprimed seeds when

stored under room conditions. The hydroprimed seeds also showed better tolerance to

accelerated aging.

Farooq et al. (2006) optimized hydropriming techniques for vigour enhancement in

fine rice (Oryza sativa var. indica) and coarse rice (Oryza sativa var. japonica) by evaluating

the germination and seedling vigour. In hydropriming treatment, seeds were soaked for 12,

24, 36, 48 and 60 hours in aerated tap water. Maximum vigour enhancement, as indicated by

high germination and seedling vigour, was noticed in seeds hydroprimed for 48 hours which

was followed by hydropriming for 36 hours in both rice types.

Ahmadi et al. (2007) studied the influence of osmopriming and hydropriming on seed

germination and seedling growth in wheat under different moisture and temperature

conditions. The results revealed that hydropriming with distilled water is more efficient than

osmopriming with PEG 6000 solution in improving the mean germination time, speed of

emergence, vigour index and seedling dry weight especially in low temperature conditions.

Dezfuli et al. (2008) conducted an experiment to evaluate the influence of seed

priming techniques on germination and early growth of two maize inbred lines ( B73 and

MO17 ). Seeds were hydroprimed for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours, osmoprimed in urea solution

and in solution of polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG- 6000) for 96 hours (water potential -

1.2MPa). Results showed that, for most evaluated germination parameters, hydropriming for

36 hours was more effective than other priming treatments (PEG and urea).

Abbasdokhta (2010) conducted an experiment to study the effect of hydropriming and

halopriming on germination and early growth stage of wheat. Seed treatments consisted of

T1: control (untreated seeds), T2: soaking in distilled water for 18 hours (hydropriming), T3:

soaking in -1.2 MPa solution of CaSO4 for 36 hours (halopriming). Results showed that

hydroprimed seeds achieved maximum seed germination, seedling dry weight whereas

minimum germination was recorded in untreated seeds (control) followed by halopriming.

8

Guilan et al. (2010) studied the effect of hydro-priming on germination of triploid

watermelon seeds. Authors found that seeds primed with 60 % perlite water content for 36 to

48 hours at 20°C gave the best results. Priming improved germination rate, germination

energy, root length, germination index and vigour index compared to control (non-primed

seeds).

Venkatasubramanian and Umarani (2010) conducted storage studies to compare four

different methods of priming viz., hydropriming, halopriming, sand matrix priming and

osmopriming accomplished for two durations. The results revealed that viability of primed

seeds were dependent on the method as well as duration of priming. Among the protocols

studied, hydropriming (48 hours) for tomato and sand matrix priming (80% water holding

capacity, 3 days) for egg plant and chilli were established as best methods of seed priming

treatment capable of improving seed vigour as well as viability.

Dursun and Ekinci (2010) studied the effects of different seed priming treatments and

durations on germination percentage at different temperatures in parsley seeds. The seeds

were treated for 2, 4, 6 and 8 days with the PEG 6000 (-0.5 MPa, -1.0 MPa and 1.5 MPa),

KNO3 (0.30 mol/L and 0.35 mol/L), Mannitol (0.50 mol/L and 0.60 mol/L) and hydroprimed

(12, 24, 36 and 48 hours) and unprimed (control). The results showed that seed priming

treatments increased seed germination percentage at both low and high temperatures. The

highest germination percentages were observed in both hydropriming and mannitol

treatments as compared with PEG and KNO3 treatments.

Eisvand et al. (2011) studied the effects of hydropriming and hormonal priming by

gibberellin and salicylic acid on seed and seedling quality of two carrot cvs. Nantes and

Forto. The results showed that emergence rate, vigour index, root and shoot length were

affected by treatments. The fastest and slowest emergence were observed in Nantes

hydroprimed seed and Forto primed with Gibberellin 50 ppm, respectively. In both cultivars,

emergence rate, vigour index and root and shoot length of hydropriming were more than

hormonal priming.

Araujo et al. (2011) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of hydropriming

on germination, emergence and seedling development in gherkins cvs. Do Norte and

Nordeste represented by three lots. The seeds were primed at 20°C on paper towels until they

reached 33.5% (Nordeste) or 36.6% (Do Norte) water content and seeds were dried at room

9

temperature (28-34°C) and a relative humidity of 45-55% until water content was 7 to 8.5%.

The results showed that hydropriming benefitted the germination and vigour characteristics

of both cultivars.

Eskandari and Kazemi (2011) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of

hydropriming (8, 12 and 16 hours duration) and halo priming (solutions of 1.5% KNO3 and

0.8% NaCl) on seedling vigour and field establishment of cowpea. The results showed that

hydropriming significantly improved germination rate, seed vigour index, and seedling dry

weights. Seedling emergence rate was also enhanced by priming seeds with water suggesting

that hydropriming is a simple, low cost and environmentally friendly technique for improving

seed and seedling vigour of cowpea.

Selvarani et al. (2011) conducted an experiment where onion seeds were treated with

water (hydropriming), sand (80% WHC- solid matrix priming), salts of KNO3 and NaCl at

3% (halopriming) for 12 hours and 24 hours and PEG (-0.25 MPa) for 8 hours and 12 hours

(osmopriming). Seeds grouped into two lots, i.e. dried to 7% and 8% moisture content, were

packed in aluminium foil pouch and cloth bag respectively and stored for four months under

ambient conditions (33°C and 57% RH). Results revealed that seeds primed with sand (80%

WHC) for 24 hours bestowed supremacy over the rest of the treatments throughout the period

of storage in both the containers.

Farahani et al. (2011) conducted an experiment to determine the impact of different

times of hydropriming (4, 8 and 12 hours) by placing seeds in distilled water. The results

showed that hydropriming significantly affected seed germination. Mean comparison showed

that the highest seedling vigour, germination percentage and seedling dry weight was

achieved by hydropriming seeds for 12 hours.

Sani (2011) conducted an experiment to find out the influence of nano &

hydropriming on seedling vigour index in alfalfa. The factors included were hydropriming

(0(H1), 8(H2), 16(H3) and 24(H4) hours) and use of TiO2 nano-particle (0(N1), 0.01(N2),

0.02(N3) and 0.03(N4) percentage). The results showed that the highest germination

percentage, seedling vigour, seedling length and seedling dry weight were achieved under H4

& N3. The results showed that use of nano & hydropriming can improve seedling vigour

index in alfalfa.

10

Maroufi (2011) conducted an experiment to study seedling production of hydroprimed

seeds (0, 3, 6 and 9 hours) in cumin. The results showed that the highest germination

percentage, seedling vigour and seedling dry weight were achieved under hydropriming for 9

hours but the highest seedling length was achieved under hydropriming after 6 hours.

Maroufi et al. (2011) reported that the highest germination percentage, seedling dry

weight and seedling vigour were achieved by 6 hours hydropriming of cowpea seeds.

Eskandari and Kazemi (2012) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of

different hydropriming treatments (P1- untreated, P2- 8 hours of hydropriming, P3- 12 hours

of hydropriming, P4- 16 hours of hydropriming, P5-20 hours of hydropriming and P6- 24

hours of hydropriming) on germination properties of rape seeds. Results revealed that P4 and

P5 hydropriming durations are the best hydropriming treatments for rapeseeds to improve

germination vigour of this important oil crop.

Costa et al. (2012) conducted an experiment to assess effect of hydropriming on

soybean seeds and correlate this technique to occurrence of fungi. The soybean seeds, cvs M-

SOY 7908 RR, were characterized by: moisture content, mechanical damage, viability (seed

germination and seedling emergence) and seed health. Hydropriming is beneficial to improve

the quality of soybean seeds with low incidence of storage fungi, increase in speed of

germination (first count) and seed germination after accelerated aging test.

Fabunmi et al. (2012) studied the effects of seed hydro-priming on biomass

production and grain yield of cowpea under early moisture stress condition. The seeds of two

cowpea varieties (Oloyin and Drum) were primed for 0, 4, 6, and 8 hours. The results showed

significant interactive effect of cowpea variety and seed priming duration on both canopy

height and dry matter accumulation. In cv. Oloyin, the highest dry matter accumulation was

recorded when seeds were hydroprimed for 4 hours, while Drum had the highest dry matter

accumulation by priming for 6 hours.

Mustaq et al. (2012) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of different seed

priming treatments on germination behaviour of Gladiolus alatus. Seed priming was done

with different concentration of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and hydropriming. Results showed

that maximum invigoration was observed in seeds osmoprimed at lower concentrations of

KNO3 and with hydropriming while minimum invigoration was observed at higher

11

concentration of KNO3. It was concluded that seed germination percentage can be increased

by using lower concentrations of KNO3 and hydropriming.

Moghanibashi et al. (2012) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of aerated

hydropriming (24 hours) on two cultivars of sunflower (Urfloar and Blazar) for seed

germination under a range of drought stress and salt stress. Cv. Urfloar had the more

germination index, germination rate, days to 50% germination, germination index, root and

shoot length and dry weight as compared with cv. Blazar. Primed seeds produced higher

germination rate and percentage, days to 50% germination and germination index under all

salinity and drought levels as compared to non-primed seeds. They also concluded that

hydropriming for 24 hours enhanced germination and seedling growth of sunflower under

stress conditions.

Mahmoudi et al. (2012) conducted an experiment where seeds of lettuce variety

Romaine were subjected to different priming treatments such as water, potassium nitrate

(KNO3) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Seedlings obtained from primed and non-primed seeds

were grown in a hydroponic culture system supplemented with sodium chloride (NaCl). The

different physiological and biochemical responses were studied 15 days after treatment. The

results indicated that plants derived from hydroprimed seeds exhibited higher adaptive

potential under salinity stress. The dry weight was higher in plants derived from hydroprimed

seeds when compared to non-primed, osmoprimed (KNO3) and hormonal primed (GA3) ones.

Ghassemi-Golenzani et al. (2012) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of

hydropriming duration (P1, P2, P3 and P4: 0, 7, 14 and 21 hours respectively) on field

performance of three pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (Talash, COS16 and

Khomain). The highest seedling establishment, ground cover, plant biomass and grain yield

per unit area was recorded for P2 followed by P3. No significant interaction of priming

duration × cultivar indicated that optimal time of hydropriming for all pinto bean cultivars is

7 hours.

Pavia et al. (2012) evaluated the effects of hydropriming on germination, emergence

and seedling development of melon. Melon seeds of the hybrids Mandacaru and Vereda,

represented by two lots, were hydroprimed on paper towel at 20°C until they reached 39.1%

(Vereda) and 44.1% (Mandacaru) water content. After that, part of the seeds were dried at 28

to 34°C room temperature and 45 to 55% relative humidity until water contents were between

12

7.9 and 8.2%. They concluded that hydropriming had beneficial effects on germination and

vigour of melon seeds of both hybrids in the two lots assessed.

Bolek et al. (2013) studied the effects of hydropriming and heat shock treatment on

seed germination and seedling emergence. Seeds of three cotton cultivars, i.e. Stoneville-468,

Maras-92, and Sayar-314, were primed in distilled water at 5°C or 25°C for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10

hours or subjected to a hot water bath (96°C) for 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 240 seconds. The

results indicated that hydropriming cotton seeds at 25°C for 4-6 hours or heat shock for 10

seconds increased seed germination and seedling emergence at low temperature.

Dastanpoor et al. (2013) studied the influence of hydropriming treatments on seed

parameters of Salvia officinalis L. Seeds were treated by hydropriming at three temperatures

10, 20, 30° C for 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The hydropriming clearly improved the final

germination percentage, mean germination time and synchronized the germination of seeds at

all three temperatures. All the seed hydropriming treatments resulted in germination

enhancement over control except hydropriming seeds for 48 hours at 30°C temperature.

Mir Mahmoodi et al. (2013) studied the effects of hydropriming durations (0, 6, 12,

18 and 24 hours ) on sunflower seeds. The results showed that hydropriming significantly

enhanced seedling emergence and reduced time to emergence under field conditions.

Ogbhuehi et al. (2013) conducted an experiment to assess the effect of hydropriming

durations (0, 12. 24, 36 and 48 hours) on performance of morphological indices of Bambara

groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc). It was concluded from the experiment that 24

hours hydropriming duration improved the performance of growth indices measured whereas,

36 hours hydropriming was the least effective.

Sheidaie et al. (2013) conducted an experiment to study the effect of seed priming on

two sunflower hybrids (Azargol and Hysun-36) germination indices at water stress condition.

The treatments were four levels of hydropriming durations i.e. 0, 6, 12 and 18 hours and the

osmotic potential levels of 0, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa induced by PEG-6000. The results

showed that hydropriming for 6 hours caused significant improvement of germination indices

at water stress condition in comparison to other priming treatments.

Sowmya et al. (2013) conducted an experiment to determine the optimum

hydropriming temperature and duration and also to know the influence of these factors on

13

seed quality attributes in cucumber. The results showed that higher first count germination,

final count germination, Bartlett Rate Index, mean seedling length and seed vigour index

(SVI-I & II) were registered when seeds were primed at 25°C and 48 hours duration.

Mehta et al. (2014) carried out an experiment to standardize seed priming duration for

bitter gourd. Seeds of bitter gourd cv. Solan Hara were hydroprimed at 20°C between wet

germination papers for different durations keeping unprimed seeds as control. Significantly

higher speed of germination, total germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry

weight, vigour index-I and II were recorded when seeds were hydroprimed for 72 hours as

compared to other durations and control.

Polymer coating:

Ni and Biddle (2001) reported that the maize seeds coated with polymer retards

imbibition during first few hours of hydration, which is attributed to reduced seed membrane

damage and seed leakage resulting in less imbibitional chilling injury.

Sendurkumaran et al. (2001) reported that seed coating with three commercially

available polymers like Terracottem, polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylamide gives improved

plant height, branches per plant, root length, root dry weight, fruits per plant and dry matter

production in tomato.

Wilson and Geneve (2004) reported that in corn seed coated with polymer and

fungicide recorded higher germination (98.5%), less number of abnormal seedlings (1.50%)

and lower conductivity values (41.60 μmhos/g) compared to control (89.0%, 8.50 and 51.40

μmhos/g, respectively).

Baig (2005) reported that seeds treated with fungicides and polymer showed

significant superiority in quality of soybean seeds during storage. Among treatments, seed

coating with vitavax or bavistin @ 2 g per kg seed and polymer @ 5 g per kg seed recorded

significantly higher germination, vigour index, rate of germination, dry weight of seedling,

lower electrical conductivity and seed infection throughout the storage period.

Kunkur (2005) studied the effect of seed coating polymer, fungicide and insecticide

on storability and field performance of cotton. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments

i.e. seed coating polymer @ 3, 4 and 5 g/kg of seed and in combination with thiram @ 1.50

14

g/kg of seed, and imidacloprid @ 7.50 g/kg of seed. The results indicated that seed coated

with polymer, thiram and imidacloprid recorded significantly higher germination, root length,

shoot length, vigour index, seedling dry weight, followed by seed coating with polymer and

thiram as compared to control at the end of nine months of storage. During field studies also

the seed coated with polymer, thiram and imidacloprid recorded significantly higher plant

stand, plant height followed by seed coating with polymer and imidacloprid.

Manjunatha (2007) studied the effect of seed coating with polymer and fungicide on

seed quality of chilli cv. Byadagi Kaddi. The results showed that the seeds treated with

polymer @ 7 g/kg of seed and thiram @ 2 g/kg of seed, recorded higher germination

(69.44%), root length (5.76 cm), shoot length (8.55 cm), seedling dry weight (38.88 mg/10

seedlings), vigour index (991), germination rate index (10.90), field emergence ( 66.14% )

and lower electrical conductivity (2.023 dSm-1), moisture content (7.89%) and seed infection

(8.01%) compared to control.

Giang and Gowda (2007) reported that seed coating with synthetic polymer (polykote)

in combination with fungicides can be a potent tool for quality hybrid rice seed storage and

effective disease management against seed and soil-borne pathogens.

Gesch et al. (2011) tested the temperature-activated polymer on seeds of soybean and

corn. Results indicated that temperature-activated polymer coated seeds may reduce the risk

of poor stand establishment in no-tilled soil in instances where low soil temperatures cause

seeds to remain in the soil for an extended period of time before emerging.

Rettinassababady (2012) studied the effect of seed coating with synthetic polymer

(polykote) alone and in combination with thiram and vitavax 200 on storability of hybrid rice

seeds (KRH 2). Among the treatments, seeds coated with polymer and vitavax 200 recorded

maximum germination and effectively suppressed the pathogen infection followed by seeds

coated with polymer and thiram. Seeds stored in polythene bags registered lesser pathogen

infection than the cloth bags.

Wiatrak (2013) studied the effect of two seed application rates (265 and 395 ml/100 kg

seeds) of polymer based mixture of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn)

micronutrients on dry land soybeans. The results indicated that polymer seed coating @ 265

15

and 395 ml/100 kg seeds significantly increased grain yields by 8.1 and 14.0% respectively,

as compared to control.

Kumar et al. (2013) studied the response of seed polymer coating on crop growth,

seed yield and quality of pigeon pea during Kharif season. The results revealed that

deltamethrin 2.8 EC @ 0.3 ml/kg seeds + vitavax powder at 3g/kg seeds + polymer seed

coating at 5ml/kg seeds was found to be significantly superior in growth and yield parameters

as compared to other treatments and untreated seeds.

Hydropriming and Polymer coating:

Chandravathi (2008) studied the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on field

performance and storability of pearl millet. Results indicated that hydropriming + polymer

coating + Azospirillum 125 g/kg seed was found to be superior to get higher seed yield and

quality as compared to other treatments and control. Further, hydropriming + polymer

coating + thiram 2.5 g/kg seed + malathion 5 % seed treatment was found to be the best

treatment combination for maintenance of seed quality under ambient storage conditions for 6

months.

Sangamnathrao (2009) studied the influence of seed invigouration and polymer

coating on field performance and storability of maize. They concluded that seed coating with

polymer @ 3ml + thiram 75% @ 2.5g + imidacloprid @ 2.5g per kg of seeds should be done

before storage and seeds should be stored in polythene bags. They also concluded maize

seeds should be primed with KNO3 @ 0.2% or hydroprimed in thiram (0.25%) for getting

higher seed yield of better quality in maize.

Holbig et al. (2011) conducted an experiment to evaluate the physiological

performance of onion seeds after pre-conditioning with water (hydroconditioning), and

treatment with fungicide and polymer. The treatments were: T1-control; T2-seed + fungicide;

T3-seed+polymer; T4-seed+fungicide+polymer; T5-hydroconditioned seed; T6-

hydroconditioned seed+fungicide; T7-hydroconditioned seed+polymer; 8-hydroconditioned

seed + fungicide + polymer. Results showed that hydroconditioning of onion seeds promote

speed of emergence and the percentage of seedlings emerged and produced larger seedlings

and more biomass while polymer use adversely affected onion seed vigour.

Chapter-3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present investigations entitled “Effect of hydropriming and polymer

coating of seeds on storability and field performance in okra [Abelmoschus

esculentus (L.) Moench]” was carried out at Experimental Farm and Laboratory of

Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture

and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP during the year of 2014-15. The details of materials used

and techniques employed during the course of investigations are presented in this chapter.

3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

3.1.1 Location

The farm is located at an altitude of 1250 metres above mean sea level with

latitude of 35.5o

N and longitude of 77.8o

E. The area falls in the mid-hill zone of

Himachal Pradesh.

3.1.2 Climate

Climate of the area is generally sub-temperate and semi-humid characterized by

cold winters. Generally, December and January months are the coldest while May and

June are the hottest months.

3.1.3 Rainfall, Temperature and Relative Humidity

During the crop season (June to October), the maximum average temperature

(25.20°C) was recorded in the month of June and minimum average temperature

(18.00°C) in October; the average rainfall was maximum (361.00 mm) in July and

minimum (15.70 mm) in October and the average relative humidity was maximum

(76.00%) in July and minimum (58.00%) in June. In storage studies, the treated seeds

were stored from 23rd

May 2014 to 22nd

May 2015 at ambient conditions in the

laboratory in plastic boxes. The mean average temperature during that period varied

from 9.85°C to 25.20°C and relative humidity varied from 45% to 76%. The

meteorological data obtained on rainfall, temperature and relative humidity during the

course of investigations are presented in the Table 3.1

17

Table 3.1 Meteorological data on rainfall, temperature and relative humidity

during the course of investigation

Source: Meteorological Observatory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr Y S

Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP

3.1.4 Soil

The soil texture of the experimental farm is loam to clay loam with pH ranging from

6.85-7.05.

3.1.5 Seed source

Okra seeds were obtained from Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S

Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP.

3.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Crop : Okra

Variety : P-8

The present studies were conducted as four different experiments:

1. To standardize hydropriming duration of okra seeds.

2. To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on seed storability.

Month Rainfall

(mm)

Temperature (°C) Relative

Humidity

(%) Maximum Minimum Mean

May 2014 51.20 30.00 14.40 22.40 57.00

June 2014 101.80 32.60 17.80 25.20 58.00

July 2014 361.00 28.10 19.20 23.65 76.00

August 2014 83.80 28.80 18.60 23.70 72.00

September 2014 129.40 27.90 16.10 22.00 71.00

October 2014 15.70 25.70 10.30 18.00 60.00

November 2014 0.00 23.60 5.70 14.65 49.00

December 2014 75.60 19.70 2.40 11.05 58.00

January 2015 49.40 17.10 2.60 9.85 63.00

February 2015 67.00 19.60 5.70 12.65 59.00

March 2015 213.60 21.40 7.80 14.60 58.00

April 2015 71.80 25.40 11.90 18.65 58.00

May 2015 16.10 31.30 15.70 23.50 45.00

18

3. To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on fresh crop

production in okra.

4. To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on seed production

in okra.

3.3 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:

3.3.1 EXPERIMENT I: Standardization of hydropriming duration of okra seeds.

3.3.1.1 Treatment details:

The okra seeds (30g each) were hydroprimed for 6 hours intervals up to 96 hours. The

treatment details are as below:

Treatments Hydroriming durations

T0 0 hours (control)

T1 6 hours

T2 12 hours

T3 18 hours

T4 24 hours

T5 30 hours

T6 36 hours

T7 42 hours

T8 48 hours

T9 54 hours

T10 60 hours

T11 66 hours

T12 72 hours

T13 78 hours

T14 84 hours

T15 90 hours

T16 96 hours

The experiment consisted of 17 treatments to determine maximum water absorption

capacity of the seeds and accordingly the tri-phasic graph of seed germination was plotted.

After this the seeds were dried to original moisture content of 8% for further studies i.e. seed

germination and vigour.

19

3.3.1.2 Design and layout:

Treatments 17

Priming temperature 15°C

Replications Four

Design Completely Randomized Design

Seeds / replication 100

Method of testing Germination & vigour Between paper method

3.3.1.3 Observations recorded:

Wet weight of seed (g)

Okra seeds (30g) were hydroprimed at 6 hours interval for different time periods. The

wet seeds were weighed with an analytical balance. Afterwards, hydroprimed seeds were

allowed to dry back to their original moisture content. Thereafter per cent increase in seed

weight was calculated as:

Final weight of seed (g) - initial weight of seed (g)

Seed weight increase (%) = × 100

Initial weight of seed (g)

Germination (%)

The germination test was carried out as per ISTA procedure (Anonymous, 1985).

Four hundred seeds from each treatment were taken and the test was carried out in four

replications, having 100 seeds each. The seeds were allowed to germinate using

between paper method at 25°C. The germination count was taken on 4th

day of the test.

Germination percentage was worked out by using the following formula:

Number of normal seedlings germinated

Germination (%) = × 100

Total number of seeds kept for germination

Seedling length (cm)

Ten normal seedlings, selected at random at first count were used to work out the

seedling length. Seedling length was worked out by taking the total length of seedlings from

the tip of the primary leaf to the tip of primary root with the help of scale and expressing the

mean value in centimetre (cm).

20

Seedling dry weight (mg)

Ten normal seedlings selected for measuring seedling length were used to work out

seedling dry weight. Seedlings were put in butter paper pocket and kept in oven at 60°C for

48 hours. Seedling dry weight was recorded and the mean value was expressed in milligrams

(mg).

Seed vigour index-I

Seed vigour index-I was calculated as per the formula given by Abdul-Baki and

Anderson (1973).

Seed vigour index-I = Germination (%) × Seedling length (cm)

Seed vigour index-II

Seed vigour index-II was calculated as per the formula given by Abdul-Baki and

Anderson (1973).

Seed vigour index-II = Germination (%) × Seedling dry weight (mg)

3.3.2 Experiment II: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on seed

storability


It consisted of two factors viz;

1. Hydropriming

2. Polymer coating

Ist Factor :

P0 : No priming

P1 : Hydropriming (as standardized from experiment-I i.e. 54 hours)

IInd

Factor :

C0 : No coating

C1 : Polymer coating @ 10 ml/kg seeds

C2 : Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds

C3 : C1 + C2 (Polymer @ 10 ml + Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds)

21

Note: Imidacloprid was applied as commercial formulation for seed dressing i.e. “Gaucho®

600 FS” of Bayer crop Science Limited, Mumbai.

Storage periods:

These treated seeds were stored under ambient conditions in plastic containers for

different storage periods i.e. 0 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months.

3.3.2.2 Experimental design and layout:

3.3.2.3 Method of testing

The seed germination and vigour experiments, using paper towel method, was

conducted at 0 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 month and 12 months of storage period to know

the storage potential of treated seeds.

3.3.2.4 Observations recorded:

Germination (%)

The standard germination test was conducted as per the procedure described under

3.3.1.3.

Seedling length (cm)

The seedling length was recorded as per the earlier described procedure under 3.3.1.3

Seedling dry weight (mg)

Seedling dry weight was worked out as per the earlier described procedure under

3.3.1.3.

Treatments 8 (2×4)

Storage periods 5

Replications Four

Design Completely Randomized Design (Factorial)

Seeds / replication 100

Date of treatment 23rd

May 2014

Method of testing Germination &vigour Between paper method

22

Seed vigour index-I

The seed vigour index-I was computed as per the earlier described procedure under

3.3.1.3.

Seed vigour index-II

The seed vigour index-II was also computed as per the earlier described procedure

under 3.3.1.3.

3.3.3 EXPERIMENT III: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of

seeds on fresh crop production in okra.


It consisted of two factors viz;

1. Hydropriming

2. Polymer coating

Ist Factor :

P0 : No priming

P1 : Hydropriming (as standardized from Experiment-I i.e. 54 hours)

IInd

Factor :

C0 : No coating

C1 : Polymer coating @ 10 ml/kg seeds

C2 : Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds

C3 : C1 + C2 (Polymer @ 10 ml + Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds)

Note: Imidacloprid was applied as commercial formulation for seed dressing i.e. “Gaucho®

600 FS” of Bayer crop Science Limited, Mumbai.

3.3.3.2 Experimental design and layout:

Treatments 8(2×4)

Replications Four

Design Randomized Completely Block Design (Factorial)

Total number of plot 32

Plot size 1.2m × 2.0m =2.4m2

Spacing 60cm × 20cm

Number of plants per plot 20

Date of sowing 27th

June 2014

23

3.3.3.3 Cultural practices:

The cultural practices were carried out as per Package of Practices for Vegetable

Crops, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP.

(Anonymous, 2012).

3.3.3.4 Observations recorded in field:

Five plants in each plot were randomly selected and tagged for recording the

observations on emergence, growth, fruit yield and other parameters.

i) Days to 50% emergence

Each treatment was observed everyday for emergence of seedling from date of sowing

onwards until 50% of the seedlings have emerged. This day was recorded as days to 50%

emergence from the date of sowing.

ii) Total field emergence (%)

Total field emergence was calculated by counting number of normal seedlings

emerged above soil per plot until there is no further emergence of seedlings after sowing.

Number of seedlings emerged

Total field emergence (%) = × 100

Total number of seeds sown

iii) Plant height at 30 DAS (cm)

The plant height was measured from ground level to the tip of the main stem on five

tagged plants at 30 days after sowing. The average height was computed and expressed in

cm.

iv) Plant height at final harvest (cm)


earlier tagged plants after final harvest. The average height was computed and expressed in

cm.

v) Days to first picking

The number of days from sowing to first picking of fruits was counted.

24

vi) Harvest durations (days)

The number of days from first picking to last picking of fruits were counted.

vii) Fruit length (cm)

Ten randomly selected fruits were taken at second harvest and fruit length was

measured with the help of scale.

viii) Fruit diameter (cm)

The same fruits which were used for the measurement of fruit length were used for

calculating fruit diameter. The diameter of the fruit was measured at the centre of fruit with

the help of vernier-calliper and average was worked out.

ix) Fruit weight (g)

The same ten randomly selected fruits, which were used for the measurement of fruit

length, were weighed with a balance and average fruit weight was calculated in grams.

x) Number of fruits per plant

The fruits from each picking of five randomly selected plants were counted and

cumulative total after last picking was averaged and expressed as number of fruits per plant.

xi) Fruit yield per plant (g)

Weight of fresh marketable fruits harvested from five randomly selected plants was

taken and averaged to work out the fruit yield per plant in grams.

xii) Fruit yield per plot (kg)

Fruit yield per plot was calculated by multiplying fruit yield per plant with number of

plants survived per plot and expressed in kg.

xiii) Fruit yield per hectare (q)

Fruit yield per hectare was worked out in quintal on the basis of fruit yield obtained

per plot. The crop stand per hectare was taken as 80%.

25

Fruit yield per plot (kg) × 10000 × 0.80

Fruit yield/ha (q) = i.e.

Plot size (m2) × 100

Fruit yield per plot (kg) × 80

Plot size (m2)

3.3.4 EXPERIMENT IV: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of

seeds on seed production in okra.

A separate experiment was conducted with same experimental details and layout as in

Experiment-III. The cultural practices were same as in case of experiment-III. Five plants

were randomly selected and tagged per plot to record the observations.

3.3.4.1 Observations recorded in field:

i) Plant height at final harvest (cm)


earlier tagged plants after final harvest. The average height was computed and expressed in

cm.

ii) Days to first ripe fruit harvesting

The number of days from sowing to first ripe fruit picking for seed were counted.

iii) Number of ripe fruits per plant

The numbers of ripe fruits for seed from each picking of five randomly selected plants

were counted and cumulative total after last picking was expressed as number of ripe fruits

per plant.

iv) Ripe fruit yield per plant (g)

Weight of ripe fruits harvested for seed from five randomly selected plants were taken

and averaged to workout ripe fruit yield per plant in grams.

v) Number of seeds per fruit

Total numbers of seeds were counted from randomly selected ten fruits at second

harvest and average value was worked out to calculate number of seeds per fruit in each

treatment combination.

26

vi) Seed yield per plant (g)

The mean weight of the seeds harvested from five randomly selected plants in each

treatment plot was recorded as seed yield per plant in grams.

vii) Seed yield per plot (g)

Seed yield/plot= Seed yield/ plant × Number of surviving plants per plot.

viii) Seed yield per ha (q)

For each treatment, seed yield per hectare was computed as follows:

Seed yield per plot (g) × 10000 × 0.80

Seed yield/ha (q) = i.e.

Plot size (m2) × 100000

Seed yield per plot (g) × 0.08

Plot size (m2)

ix) Per cent seed recovery

Per cent seed recovery was calculated by using formula given below:

Seed yield per plant (g)

Seed recovery (%) = × 100

Ripe fruit yield per plant (g)

x) 100 seed weight (g)

100 seeds per treatment were counted with the help of seed counter and the weight

was recorded in grams

3.3.4.2 Observations recorded in laboratory:

The lab experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (Factorial)

with four replications. The germination sand vigour of harvested seeds was worked out as per

standard procedure mention earlier under 3.3.1.3.

i) Germination (%)

The standard germination test was conducted as per the procedure described earlier

under 3.3.1.3.

27

ii) Seedling length (cm)

The seedling length was recorded as per the earlier described procedure under 3.3.1.3.

iii) Seedling dry weight (mg)

Seedling dry weight was worked out as per the earlier described procedure under

3.3.1.3.

iv) Seed vigour index-I

The seed vigour index-I was computed as per the earlier described procedure under

3.3.1.3.

v) Seed vigour index-II

The seed vigour index-II was also computed as per the earlier described procedure

under 3.3.1.3.

3.3.4.3 Statistical analysis

The statistical analysis was done as per design of the experiment as suggested by

Gomez and Gomez (1984).

Chapter-4

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The present investigations were undertaken to evaluate the effect of seed

hydropriming and polymer coating on storability and field performance in respect of

germination, vigour, growth, fruit yield, seed yield and quality in okra. The data recorded

pertaining to different characters were statistically analyzed and significance of results were

verified. The experimental results so obtained are presented under the following sub-heads:

4.1 Experiment I : To standardize hydropriming duration of okra seeds.

4.2 Experiment II : To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on

seed storability.

4.3 Experiment III : To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of

seeds on fresh crop production in okra

4.4 Experiment IV : To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of

seeds on seed production in okra.

4.1 EXPERIMENT I: Standardization of hydropriming duration of okraseeds

It included the laboratory study to determine the water absorption capacity of the

seeds and accordingly to plot tri-phasic graph of seed germination. The 30g seeds were

hydroprimed at 15°C for different durations and per cent increase in seed weight was worked

out. After that seeds were dried back to 8% moisture content to further study the germination

and vigour of seeds. The basic objective of this experiment was to standardize the best

hydropriming duration among different durations.

4.1.1 Wet weight of seeds (g)

The data on wet weight of seed as influenced by different hydropriming durations and

subsequently per cent increase in seed weight was worked out and presented in Table 3.1.

The weight of seeds rapidly increased up to 24 hours but after that a small increase in

weight was observed till 54 hours. After 54 hours, seeds started to germinate and again

weight started to increase.

29

Table 4.1 Standardization of hydropriming duration of okra seeds

Treatment(hours)

Wetweightof seed

(g)

%Increasein seedweight

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength(cm)

Seedlingdry weight

(mg)

Seed vigourindex-I

Seed vigourindex-II

0 30.00 0.00 83.75 (9.21) 12.47 23.05 1046.48 1935.35

6 39.28 30.93 87.25 (9.39) 15.23 26.15 1325.92 2281.90

12 48.78 62.60 86.75 (9.37) 15.48 27.04 1375.43 2344.17

18 51.35 71.16 85.50 (9.29) 14.95 26.27 1284.93 2247.37

24 52.43 74.76 86.00 (9.33) 14.37 27.05 1236.38 2331.52

30 52.54 75.13 90.25 (9.55) 15.47 27.34 1400.48 2464.79

36 52.97 76.56 89.75 (9.52) 14.34 27.02 1284.34 2420.08

42 53.23 77.43 90.00 (9.54) 15.80 27.09 1332.92 2440.07

48 53.50 78.33 90.50 (9.56) 15.84 28.43 1420.50 2565.09

54 53.90 79.66 94.75 (9.78) 17.60 29.42 1669.57 2786.71

60 55.10 83.66 80.25 (9.01) 12.23 26.88 985.20 2165.52

66 56.10 87.00 77.37 (8.85) 11.45 25.10 888.89 1945.02

72 58.90 96.33 75.75 (8.76) 11.02 25.03 835.825 1898.18

78 62.00 106.66 75.00 (8.72) 10.67 24.00 797.60 1802.19

84 66.67 122.23 72.75 (8.58) 10.52 23.88 763.95 1737.07

90 69.78 132.60 70.25 (8.44) 10.32 23.54 724.65 1653.88

96 72.89 142.96 69.00 (8.36) 8.87 23.28 612.38 1605.06

CD 0.29 1.88 2.89 185.15 289.34

Fig.4.1 Standardization of hydropriming duration in okra seeds

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96

% I

ncre

ase

in s

eed

wei

ght

Seed hydropriming durations (hours))

30

As presented in the graph, per cent seed weight increase from 0 to 74.76 % was

considered as phase I of germination stage where rapid water absorption occurred followed

by lag phase (Phase II) with little changes in per cent weight increase from 74.76 to 79.66%.

A subsequent increase in per cent weight increase ranged from 79.66 to 142.96% which was

considered as phase III. Thus, the range from 74.76 to 79.66% weight increase was taken as a

seed hydropriming regime.

4.1.2 Germination (%)

The results pertaining to seed germination as affected by different durations of

hydropriming have been presented in Table 4.1.The maximum (94.75%) germination was

recorded in 54 hours of seed hydropriming which was at par with 48 hours, 30 hours, 42

hours and 36 hours whereas minimum (69.00%) germination was recorded in 96 hours of

seed hydropriming.

4.1.3 Seedling length (cm)

The data on seedling length as influenced by different seed hydropriming durations

have been presented in Table 4.1. The maximum (17.60cm) seedling length was recorded in

54 hours of seed hydropriming followed by 48 hours and 42 hours whereas minimum

(8.87cm) seedling length was recorded in 96 hours of seed hydropriming.

4.1.4 Seedling dry weight (mg)

The results pertaining to effect of different seed hydropriming durations on seedling

dry weight are presented in Table 4.1. The maximum (29.42mg) seedling dry weight was

recorded in 54 hours of seed hydropriming followed by 48 hours, 30 hours, 24 hours, 42

hours,12 hours and 36 hours whereas minimum (23.05mg) seedling dry weight was recorded

in control i.e. no priming.

4.1.5 Seed vigour index-I

The data on seed vigour index-I as influenced by different seed hydropriming

durations have been presented in Table 4.1. The maximum (1669.57) seed vigour index-I was

recorded in 54 hours of seed hydropriming which was significantly higher than all other

durations whereas minimum (612.38) seed vigour index-I was recorded in 96 hours of seed

hydropriming.

31

4.1.6 Seed vigour index-II

The data on seed vigour index-II as influenced by different seed hydropriming

durations have been presented in Table 4.1. The maximum (2786.71) seed vigour index-II

was recorded in 54 hours of seed hydropriming which was significantly higher than all other

durations whereas minimum (1605.06) seed vigour index-II was recorded in 96 hours of seed

hydropriming.

4.2 EXPERIMENT II: Effect of hydropriming and polymer coating on seedstorability

The storage studies were conducted for one year under ambient conditions to know

the storage life of treated seeds. The treatment comprised of non-primed seeds and primed seeds

viz., P0 (Non-primed seeds) and P1 (Hydroprimed seeds) combined with four seed coating

treatments viz., C0 (No coating), C1 (Polymer coating @ 10ml/kg seeds), C2 (Imidacloprid coating

@ 3ml/kg seeds) and C3 (Polymer @ 10 ml & imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds). The seeds

were stored under ambient conditions and germination and vigour tests were conducted at 0

month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of storage.


Germination (%) at 0 month of storage

The results on germination percentage at 0 month of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions are depicted in Table 4.2. The mean

germination percentage was significantly higher (95.12%) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as

compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (87.69%).

The mean germination percentage differed significantly among seed coating

treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) germination which recorded maximum

(94.63%) was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and polymer seed coating (C1)

whereas minimum (87.63%) germination was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effect due seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed

significantly. The maximum (98.25%) germination was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming +

polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at par with P1C2 (hydropriming +

imidacloprid seed coating) and P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating) whereas

minimum (83.00%) germination was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).

32

Table 4.2 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seedgermination (%) after different periods of storage

Treatments Seed germination (%)*0 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months

Hydropriming (P)

P0 87.69 (9.41) 86.00 (9.32) 83.44 (9.18) 81.25 (9.06) 77.65 (8.86)

P1 95.12 (9.80) 93.44 (9.72) 91.18 (9.59) 89.44 (9.51) 86.83 (9.64)

CD at 5% (P) 0.17 0.16 0.17 0.16 0.17

Polymer coating (C)

C0 87.00 (9.37) 85.63 (9.30) 83.50 (9.19) 81.13 (9.05) 77.53 (8.85)

C1 91.25 (9.60) 88.63 (9.46) 85.50 (9.29) 83.75 (9.20) 80.15 (9.00)

C2 92.75 (9.68) 91.25 (9.60) 89.13 (9.49) 87.13 (9.38) 83.53 (9.19)

C3 94.63 (9.78) 93.37 (9.71) 91.13 (9.68) 89.38 (9.50) 85.78 (9.31)

CD at 5%(C) 0.25 0.22 0.25 0.24 0.24

Hydropriming × Polymer coating (P × C)

P0 C0 83.00(9.22) 81.00 (9.05) 79.50 (8.97) 76.00 (8.77) 72.40 (8.56)

P0 C1 88.00 (9.43) 85.75 (9.31) 82.00 (9.12) 80.50 (9.02) 76.90 (8.82)

P0 C2 89.00 (9.49) 87.75 (9.42) 85.50 (9.30) 83.50 (9.19) 79.90 (8.99)

P0 C3 91.00 (9.59) 89.50 (9.51) 86.75 (9.37) 85.00 (9.27) 81.40 (9.07)

P1 C0 91.25 (9.59) 90.25 (9.55) 87.50 (9.40) 86.25 (9.34) 82.65 (9.14)

P1 C1 94.50 (9.77) 91.50 (9.62) 89.00 (9.49) 87.00 (9.38) 83.40 (9.18)

P1 C2 96.50 (9.87) 94.75 (9.78) 92.75 (9.68) 90.75 (9.58) 87.15 (9.38)

P1 C3 98.25 (9.96) 97.25 ( 9.91) 95.50 (9.82) 93.75 (9.73) 90.15 (9.55)

CD at5%(P×C)

0.35 0.32 0.35 0.33 0.34

* Figures in the parenthesis represent square root transformation

P0 : Non-primed seeds P1 : Hydroprimed seeds C0 : No seed coatingC1 : Polymer seed coating C2 : Imidacloprid seed coating C3 : Polymer + Imidacloprid seed coating

33

Germination (%) after 3 months of storage

The results on germination percentage after 3 months of storage as influenced by

seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions are depicted in Table 4.2. The

mean germination percentage was significantly higher (93.44%) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as



treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (93.37%)

germination which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum

(85.63%) germination was recorded in control (C0).




imidacloprid seed coating) and P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating) whereas

minimum (81.00%) germination was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).


The results pertaining to the effect of hydropriming, polymer coating and their

interactions on seed germination after 6 months of storage have been presented in Table 4.2.

The main effect revealed that germination was significantly higher (91.18%) in hydroprimed

(P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (83.44%).

Germination percentage differed significantly among seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded significantly maximum (91.13%)

germination whereas minimum (83.50%) germination was recorded in control (C0).



polymer & imidacloprid coating) which was at par with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid

seed coating) and P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating) whereas minimum (79.50%)

germination was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).


The results pertaining to the effect of hydropriming, polymer coating and their

interactions on seed germination after 9 months of storage have been presented in Table 4.2.

34

Mean seed germination was significantly higher (89.44%) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds than

non-primed (P0) seeds (81.25%).

Germination percentage differed significantly among seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded significantly maximum (89.38%)

germination whereas minimum (81.13%) germination was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effect due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed



imidacloprid seed coating) whereas minimum (76.00%) germination was recorded in control

i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).


The data on germination percentage after 12 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions are depicted in Table 4.2. The mean

germination percentage was significantly higher (85.84%) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as



treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (85.78%)

germination which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum





imidacloprid coating) and P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating) whereas minimum

(72.40%) germination was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).


Seedling length (cm) at 0 month of storage

The results on seedling length at 0 month of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.3. Mean

35

seedling length was significantly higher (17.73cm) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to

non-primed (P0) seeds (14.60cm).

The main effect of coating and interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and

polymer coating treatments were found to be non-significant for seedling length.

Seedling length (cm) after 3 months of storage

The results pertaining to the effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their

interactions on seedling length after 3 months of storage have been presented in Table 4.3.

Seedling length was significantly higher (16.27cm) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to


The main effect of seed coating and interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and

polymer coating treatments were found to be non-significant for the character.


The data on seedling length after 6 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.3.



The main effect of seed coating have been found significant for seedling length.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (15.56cm) seedling length

which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and polymer seed coating (C1) while

minimum (13.75cm) seedling length was recorded in control (C0).

Interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating treatments were

found to be non-significant for seedling length.


The data on seedling length after 9 months of storage as influenced by seed




36

Table 4.3 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions onseedling length (cm) after different periods of storage

Treatments Seedling length (cm)0 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months

Hydropriming (P)

P0 14.60 14.37 13.93 12.59 10.99

P1 17.73 16.27 15.29 13.97 12.95

CD at 5% (P) 0.74 1.10 1.11 0.98 0.85

Polymer coating (C)

C0 14.65 14.44 13.75 12.25 10.81

C1 16.24 14.84 14.44 13.24 12.01

C2 16.47 15.76 14.68 13.54 12.16

C3 17.29 16.24 15.56 14.09 12.91

CD at 5%(C) NS NS 1.57 1.38 1.20


P0 C0 13.87 13.75 12.80 11.62 10.02

P0 C1 14.52 13.95 14.11 12.68 11.08

P0 C2 14.87 14.85 14.33 12.91 11.32

P0 C3 15.15 14.92 14.47 13.15 11.55

P1 C0 15.44 15.12 14.70 12.87 11.59

P1 C1 17.95 15.74 14.78 13.79 12.92

P1 C2 18.07 16.66 15.03 14.16 13.00

P1 C3 19.45 17.56 16.65 15.03 14.28

CD at5%(P×C)

NS NS NS NS NS


37

The main effect of coating have been found significant for seedling length. Polymer

+ imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (14.09cm) seedling length which was at

par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and polymer seed coating (C1) while minimum

(12.25cm) seedling length was recorded in control (C0).




The results on seedling length after 12 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.3. The

main effect of hydropriming revealed that seedling length was significantly higher (12.95cm)

in hydroprimed (P1) seeds than non-primed (P0) seeds (10.99cm).

The main effect of coating have been found significant for seedling length. Polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (12.91cm) seedling length which was at

par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and polymer seed coating (C1) while minimum

(10.81cm) seedling length was recorded in control (C0).



4.2.3 Seedling dry weight (mg)

Seeding dry weight (mg) at 0 month of storage


interactions on seedling dry weight at 0 month of storage have been presented in Table 4.4.

The main effect of hydropriming revealed that seedling dry weight was significantly

higher (30.78mg) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds

(27.97mg).


polymer coating treatments were found to be non-significant for seedling dry weight.

38

Table 4.4 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions onseedling dry weight (mg) after different periods of storage

Treatments Seedling dry weight (mg)0 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months

Hydropriming (P)

P0 27.97 27.67 26.74 25.60 25.24

P1 30.78 29.71 28.55 26.85 26.48

CD at 5% (P) 1.66 1.32 1.74 1.04 1.05

Polymer coating (C)

C0 27.91 27.69 26.98 25.75 25.46

C1 28.35 27.94 27.57 26.04 25.58

C2 30.46 29.22 27.67 26.36 25.90

C3 30.81 29.92 28.36 26.75 26.49

CD at 5%(C) NS NS NS NS NS


P0 C0 26.84 26.52 25.94 25.42 24. 96

P0 C1 27.32 26.77 26.51 25.53 25.07

P0 C2 28.83 28.66 26.65 25.63 25.17

P0 C3 28.92 28.75 27.85 25.83 25.76

P1 C0 28.98 28.85 28.03 26.08 25.96

P1 C1 29.34 29.11 28.63 26.55 26.09

P1 C2 32.09 29.78 28.70 27.10 26.64

P1 C3 32.69 31.08 28.87 27.68 27.23

CD at5%(P×C)

NS NS NS NS NS


39

Seeding dry weight (mg) after 3 months of storage

The data on seedling dry weight at 3 months of storage as influenced by seed


mean seedling dry weight was significantly higher (29.71mg) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as

compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (27.67mg).




The results on seedling dry weight at 6 months of storage as influenced by seed


Seedling dry weight was significantly higher (28.55mg) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as



polymer coating treatments were found to be non-significant for the above mentioned

character.



interactions on seedling dry weight after 9 months of storage have been presented in table

4.4. The mean seedling dry weight was significantly higher (26.85mg) in hydroprimed (P1)

seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (25.60mg).




The data on seedling dry weight after 12 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in table 4.4. The

mean seedling dry weight was significantly higher (26.48mg) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as


40




Seed vigour index-I at 0 month of storage

The results on seed vigour index-I at 0 month of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions are depicted in Table 4.5. The main

effect of hydropriming revealed that seed vigour index-I was significantly higher (1690.72) in

hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (1281.33).

The mean seed vigour index-I was significantly affected by seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (1643.76) seed vigour index-I

which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum (1279.76) seed

vigour index-I was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effects due seed hydropriming and polymer coating differed

significantly. The maximum (1910.55) seed vigour index-I was recorded in P1C3

(hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at par with P1C2

(hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) whereas minimum (1147.71) seed vigour index-I

was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).

Seed vigour index-I after 3 months of storage

The data on seed vigour index-I after 3 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been depicted in Table 4.5. Seed

vigour index-I was significantly higher (1522.85) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to

non-primed (P0) seeds (1239.24).

The mean seed vigour index-I differed significantly among seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid coating (C3) recorded maximum (1522.49) seed vigour index-I

which was at par with imidacloprid coating (C2) whereas minimum (1241.01) seed vigour

index-I was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effects due seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed



(hydropriming + imidacloprid) whereas minimum (1116.56) seed vigour index-I was

recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).

41

Table 4.5 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seedvigour index-I after different periods of storage

Treatments Seed vigour index-I0 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months

Hydropriming (P)

P0 1281.33 1239.24 1164.49 1024.18 854.61

P1 1690.72 1522.85 1396.91 1252.93 1114.15

CD at 5% (P) 87.98 116.87 115.23 98.62 75.08

Polymer coating (C)

C0 1279.76 1241.01 1151.67 997.85 843.65

C1 1486.33 1317.94 1236.16 1111.45 963.71

C2 1534.24 1442.75 1310.34 1181.75 1018.65

C3 1643.76 1522.49 1424.61 1263.17 1111.50

CD at 5%(C) 124.43 165.29 162.96 139.47 106.18


P0 C0 1147.71 1116.56 1019.68 885.03 727.35

P0 C1 1276.01 1197.54 1155.18 1018.00 849.29

P0 C2 1324.61 1304.93 1226.83 1077.38 903.05

P0 C3 1376.97 1337.92 1256.26 1116.33 938.75

P1 C0 1411.82 1365.45 1283.67 1110.67 959.96

P1 C1 1696.65 1438.34 1317.15 1204.90 1078.13

P1 C2 1743.86 1580.57 1393.85 1286.12 1134.26

P1 C3 1910.55 1707.06 1592.95 1410.02 1284.25

CD at5%(P×C)

175.43 233.06 229.77 196.65 149.70


42



interactions on seed vigour index-I after 6 months of storage have been depicted in Table 4.5.

The mean seed vigour index-I was significantly higher (1396.91) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds

as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (1164.49)

A significant improvement was observed in seed vigour index-I by seed coating

treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (1424.61) seed

index-I which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum (1151.67)

seed vigour index-I was recorded in control (C0).







The results on seed vigour index-I after 9 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions are presented in Table 4.5. The mean

seed vigour index-I was significantly higher (1252.18) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as

compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (1024.18).

Seed vigour index-I differed significantly among seed coating treatments. Polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (1263.17) seed vigour index-I which was

at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum (997.85) seed vigour index-I

was recorded in control (C0).






43



interactions on seed vigour index-I after 12 months of storage have been depicted in Table

4.5. The mean seed vigour index-I was significantly higher (1114.15) in hydroprimed (P1)

seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (854.61).

The main effect of seed coating differed significantly for seed vigour index-I.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (1111.50) seed vigour index-I

which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum (843.65) seed vigour

index-I was recorded in control (C0).







Seed vigour index-II at 0 month of storage

The results on seed vigour index-II at 0 month of storage as influenced by seed


seed vigour index-II was significantly higher (2931.45) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as


The mean seed vigour index-II differed significantly among seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (2922.52) seed vigour index-II


vigour index-II was recorded in control (C0).


significantly. The maximum (3213.74) seed vigour index-II was recorded in P1C3


(hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) whereas minimum (2213.95) seed vigour index-

II was recorded in control i.e. P0C0 (no priming + no coating).

44

Table 4.6 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seedvigour index-II after different periods of storage

Treatments Seed vigour index-II

0 month 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months

Hydropriming (P)

P0 2453.02 2381.87 2235.47 2079.78 1960.03

P1 2931.45 2778.88 2607.50 2405.19 2276.20

CD at 5% (P) 170.84 144.56 204.27 123.51 123.74

Polymer coating (C)

C0 2427.53 2375.14 2259.84 2091.56 1977.55

C1 2589.31 2479.07 2365.53 2186.34 2055.71

C2 2829.57 2668.17 2474.03 2300.35 2167.01

C3 2922.52 2799.14 2586.54 2391.71 2272.18

CD at 5%(C) 241.59 204.44 185.07 174.67 174.99


P0 C0 2213.95 2146.20 2065.42 1930.81 1805.98

P0 C1 2405.22 2291.17 2181.68 2057.46 1930.16

P0 C2 2561.61 2516.25 2280.45 2141.35 2012.32

P0 C3 2631.30 2573.87 2414.34 2189.53 2091.63

P1 C0 2641.10 2604.08 2454.27 2252.31 2149.11

P1 C1 2773.41 2666.98 2549.38 2315.23 2181.26

P1 C2 3097.54 2820.09 2667.61 2459.35 2321.69

P1 C3 3213.74 3024.40 2758.75 2593.88 2452.74

CD at5%(P×C)

340.65 288.26 266.27 246.29 246.74


45

Seed vigour index-II after 3 months of storage

The data on seed vigour index-II after 3 months of storage as influenced by seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been depicted in Table 4.6. Seed

vigour index-II was significantly higher (2778.88) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to

non-primed (P0) seeds (2381.87).












interactions on seed vigour index-II after 6 months of storage have been depicted in table 4.6.

The mean seed vigour index-II was significantly higher (2607.50) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds

as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (2235.47).

A significant improvement was observed for seed vigour index-II among seed coating


vigour index-II which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum

(2259.84) seed vigour index-II was recorded in control (C0).






46


The results on seed vigour index-II after 9 months of storage as influenced by seed


seed vigour index-II was significantly higher (2405.19) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as













interactions on seed vigour index-II after 12 months of storage have been depicted in Table

4.6. The mean seed vigour index-II was significantly higher (2276.20) in hydroprimed (P1)

seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (1960.03).

A significant improvement was observed for seed vigour index-II with seed coating




The interaction effect due seed hydropriming and polymer coating differed





47

4.3 EXPERIMENT III: Effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds onfresh crop production in okra

It includes the effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on various

emergence, growth and fruit yield characters in of okra. The treatments were same as

Experiment-II. The results obtained during field experiment are presented character wise as

follows:

4.3.1 Days to 50% emergence

The data on days to 50% emergence as influenced by the effect of seed hydropriming,

polymer coating and their interaction have been presented in Table 4.7. The main effect of

hydropriming revealed that significantly lower (4.10) days to 50% emergence were recorded

in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (5.13).

A significant improvement in days to 50% emergence was observed due to seed

coating treatments over control. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded minimum

(3.63) days to 50% emergence which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and

polymer seed coating (C1) whereas maximum (6.00) days to 50% emergence was recorded in

control (C0).

The interaction effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed

significantly for days to 50% emergence. Minimum (3.25) days to 50% emergence was

noticed in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at par with

P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating), P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed

coating) and P0C3 (no priming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating). The maximum (6.25

days) days to 50% emergence was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.2 Total field emergence (%)

The results on total field emergence as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer

coating and their interactions are depicted in Table 4.7. Total field emergence was

significantly higher (86.00%) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0)

seeds (80.63%).

A significant improvement in field emergence was observed with seed coating

treatments over control. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (86%)

48

Table 4.7 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions onemergence and growth characteristics in fresh crop production of okra

Treatments Days to 50%emergence

Total Field emergence(%)*

Plant height at 30 DAS(cm)

Hydropriming (P)

P0 5.13 80.63 (9.03) 41.99

P1 4.10 85.38 (9.29) 43.68

CD at 5% (P) 0.71 0.10 1.59

Polymer coating (C)

C0 6.00 77.50 (8.85) 40.17

C1 4.50 83.63 (9.19) 42.17

C2 4.25 84.88 (9.26) 43.75

C3 3.63 86.00 (9.32) 45.27

CD at 5% (C) 1.01 0.15 2.61


PO C0 6.25 74.50 (8.68) 39.75

PO C1 5.50 81.75 (9.09) 41.30

PO C2 4.75 83.25 (9.17) 42.63

PO C3 4.00 83.00 (9.16) 44.30

P1 C0 5.75 80.50 (9.02) 40.58

P1 C1 3.50 85.50 (9.29) 43.03

P1 C2 3.75 86.50 (9.35) 44.88

P1 C3 3.25 89.00 (9.48) 46.23

CD at 5%(PxC)

1.36 0.18 NS



49

field emergence which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) and polymer seed

coating (C1) whereas minimum (77.50%) field emergence was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed

significantly for field emergence. Maximum (89%) field emergence was noticed in P1C3


(hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) and P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed coating).

The minimum (74.50%) field emergence was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e.

control.

4.3.3 Plant height at 30 days after sowing (cm)

The results pertaining to the effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating and

their interactions on plant height at 30 days after sowing have been presented in Table 4.7.

Hydropriming of seeds significantly increased plant height (43.68cm) at 30 days after sowing

as compared to non-primed seeds i.e. control (41.99cm).

The plant height at 30 days after sowing differed significantly due to main effects of

seed coating treatments. Seed coating with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) recorded maximum

(45.27cm) plant height at 30 days after sowing which was at par with seed coating with

imidacloprid (C2) while minimum (40.17cm) plant height at 30 days after sowing was

recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds were

found to be non-significant for plant height at 30 days after sowing.

4.3.4 Plant height at final harvest (cm)

The data pertaining to the effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating and their

interactions on plant height at final harvest have been presented in Table 4.8. Hydropriming

of seeds significantly increased (189.47cm) plant height at final harvest as compared to non-

primed (P0) seeds (180.94cm).

The plant height at final harvest differed significantly due to seed coating treatments.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (191.08cm) plant height at

final harvest which was at par with seed coating with imidacloprid (C2) while minimum

(176.83cm) plant height at final harvest was recorded in control (C0).

50

The interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating treatments were

also found to be significant for plant height at final harvest. Maximum (195.08cm) plant

height at final harvest was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed

coating) which was at par with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating), P1C1

(hydropriming + polymer seed coating) and P0C3 (no priming + polymer & imidacloprid seed

coating). The minimum (170.94cm) plant height at final harvest was recorded in P0C0 (no

priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.5 Days to first picking

The data on days to first picking as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer coating

and their interactions have been presented in the Table 4.8. The main effect of hydropriming

revealed that significantly, lower (62.88) days to first picking was recorded in hydroprimed

(P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (64.63).

Days to first picking differed significantly due to main effect of seed coating

treatments. The minimum (59.75) days to first picking was recorded in polymer +

imidacloprid coating (C3) while maximum (67.63) days to first picking was recorded in

control (C0).


found to be non-significant for days to first picking.

4.3.6 Harvest duration (days)

The results on harvest duration as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer coating

and their interactions have been presented in the Table 4.8. Significantly longer (47.32 days)

harvest duration was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0)

seeds (44.68 days).

A significant improvement in harvest duration was observed due to seed coating

treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (50.48 days)

harvest duration which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) while minimum (41.56

days) harvest duration was recorded in control (C0).

51

Table 4.8 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions ondifferent horticultural characteristics in fresh crop production of okra

Treatments Plant heightat final

harvest (cm)

Days to firstpicking

Harvestduration (days)

Fruit length(cm)

Fruitdiameter

(cm)

Hydropriming (P)

P0 180.94 64.63 44.68 15.37 1.89

P1 189.47 62.88 47.32 16.39 2.17

CD at 5% (P) 4.50 1.71 1.63 0.75 0.19

Polymer coating (C)

C0 176.83 67.63 41.56 15.18 1.75

C1 183.93 64.75 44.63 15.15 1.87

C2 188.98 62.88 47.34 15.93 2.14

C3 191.08 59.75 50.48 17.27 2.37

CD at 5% (C) 6.37 2.42 2.37 1.06 0.27


PO C0 170.94 68.25 40.30 14.05 1.57

PO C1 181.00 65.50 43.50 15.12 1.80

PO C2 184.93 63.50 46.19 16.16 1.96

PO C3 186.88 61.25 48.75 16.17 2.24

P1 C0 182.70 67.00 42.83 16.31 1.92

P1 C1 186.85 64.00 44.63 15.17 1.94

P1 C2 193.03 62.25 47.34 15.70 2.31

P1 C3 195.08 58.80 50.47 18.37 2.50

CD at 5%(PxC) 8.98 NS 3.26 1.50 NS


52


also found to be significant for harvest duration. Maximum (50.47 days) harvest duration

was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at

par with P0C3 (no priming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) and P1C2 (hydropriming +

imidacloprid seed coating) whereas minimum (40.30 days) harvest duration was recorded in

P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.7 Fruit length (cm)

The data on fruit length as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer coating and

their interactions have been presented in Table 4.8. Fruit length was significantly higher

(16.39cm) in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (15.37cm).

Fruit length of okra differed significantly due to seed coating treatments. The

maximum (17.21cm) fruit length was recorded in polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3)

whereas minimum (15.18cm) fruit length was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating treatments have

also been found significant for fruit length. Maximum (18.37cm) fruit length was recorded in

P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) while minimum (14.05cm) fruit

length was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.8 Fruit diameter (cm)

The results on fruit diameter as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer coating

and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.8. Significantly, maximum (2.17cm)

fruit length was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds

(1.89cm).

Fruit diameter differed significantly due to seed coating treatments. The maximum

(2.37cm) fruit diameter was recorded in polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) which was

at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum (1.75cm) fruit diameter was



found to be non-significant for fruit diameter.

53

4.3.9 Fruit weight (g)


interactions on fruit weight have been presented in Table 4.9. The main effect of seed

hydropriming has been found to be non-significant for fruit weight.

A significant improvement in fruit weight was observed due to seed coating

treatments. The maximum (28.60cm) fruit weight was recorded in polymer + imidacloprid

seed coating (C3) which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum

(22.77cm) fruit weight was recorded in control (C0).


found to be non-significant for fruit weight.

4.3.10 Number of fruits per plant

The results on number of fruits per plant as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer

coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.9. Significantly higher (20.90)

number of fruits per plant was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-

primed (P1) seeds (18.64).

A significant improvement in number of fruits per plant was observed due to seed

coating treatments. The maximum (22.10) number of fruits per plant was recorded in polymer

+ imidacloprid seed coating (C3) whereas minimum (16.97) number of fruits per plant were



also found to be significant for number of fruits per plant. Significantly maximum (23.55)

number of fruits per plant were recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid

seed coating) whereas minimum (15.87) number of fruits per plant were recorded in P0C0 (no

priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.11 Fruit yield per plant (g)


interactions on fruit yield per plant have been presented in Table 4.9. Significantly higher

(227.84g) fruit yield per plant was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-

primed (P0) seeds (218.71g).

54

Table 4.9 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on fruityield and contributing characteristics in fresh crop production in okra

Treatments Fruit weight(g)

Number offruits per

plant

Fruit yieldper plant (g)

Fruit yieldper plot (kg)

Fruit yieldper ha (q)

Hydropriming (P)

P0 24.29 18.64 218.71 3.55 118.59

P1 26.41 20.90 227.84 3.88 129.34

CD at 5% (P) NS 0.99 8.42 0.18 5.88

Polymer coating (C)

C0 22.77 16.97 214.38 3.10 102.59

C1 24.15 19.75 221.73 3.57 119.03

C2 26.58 20.28 225.53 3.88 129.42

C3 28.60 22.10 231.48 4.34 144.81

CD at 5% (C) 3.16 1.41 11.91 0.25 8.31


PO C0 20.83 15.87 211.25 2.95 98.19

PO C1 23.10 18.65 216.95 3.41 113.76

PO C2 26.10 19.40 221.70 3.77 125.54

PO C3 27.25 20.65 224.95 4.11 136.86

P1 C0 24.70 18.10 217.50 3.21 107.00

P1 C1 25.25 20.85 226.50 3.72 124.30

P1 C2 27.10 21.15 229.35 3.99 133.31

P1 C3 28.60 23.55 238.00 4.58 152.76

CD at 5%(PxC)

NS 1.98 16.81 0.35 11.74


55

A significant improvement in fruit yield per plant was observed due to seed coating

treatments. The maximum (231.48g) fruit yield per plant was recorded in polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) whereas minimum (214.48g) fruit yield per plant was



found to be significant for fruit yield per plant. Maximum (238.00g) fruit yield per plant was

recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at par

with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating), P1C1 (hydropriming + polymer seed

coating), P0C3 (no priming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) and P0C2 (no priming +

imidacloprid seed coating) while minimum (211.25g) fruit yield per plant was recorded in

P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.12 Fruit yield per plot (kg)


interactions on fruit yield per plot have been presented in Table 4.9. Significantly higher

(3.88 kg) fruit yield per plot was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-

primed (P0) seeds (3.55 kg).

A significant improvement in fruit yield per plot was observed due to seed coating

treatments. Significantly highest (4.34 kg) fruit yield per plot was recorded in polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) whereas minimum (3.10 kg) fruit yield per plot was recorded

in control (C0).


also found to be significant for fruit yield per plot. Maximum (4.58 kg) fruit yield per plot

was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was

significantly higher than all other combinations, while minimum (2.95 kg) fruit yield per plot

was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.3.13 Fruit yield per hectare (q)

The results on fruit yield per hectare as influenced by the effect of seed hydropriming,

polymer coating and their interactions are depicted in the Table 4.9. Significantly higher

(129.34q) fruit yield per hectare was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-

primed (P0) seeds (118.59q).

56

The main effect of seed coating differed significantly for fruit yield per hectare.

Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recoded significantly highest (144.81q) fruit yield

per hectare whereas minimum (102.42q) fruit yield per hectare was recorded in control i.e. no

coating (C0).


also found to be significant for fruit yield per hectare. Maximum (152.76q) fruit yield per

hectare was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which

was significantly higher than all other combinations, while minimum (98.19q) fruit yield per

hectare was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.4 EXPERIMENT III: Effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds onseed production in okra

The analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for different

hydropriming and polymer coating treatments on growth, seed yield and quality characters in

okra. The treatments were also same as Experiment-II. The results obtained are described as

follows:

4.4.1 Plant height at final harvest (cm)

The data pertaining to the effect of seed hydropriming and polymer coating and their

interactions on plant height at final harvest have been presented in Table 4.10. The main

effect of hydropriming revealed that significantly taller (178.49cm) plants at final harvest was

recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (172.46cm).

The plant height at final harvest differed significantly due to main effect of seed

coating treatments. Polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded maximum (184.93cm)

plant height at final harvest which was at par with seed coating with imidacloprid (C2) while

minimum (176.83cm) plant height at final harvest was recorded in control (C0).


found to be non-significant for plant height at final harvest.

4.4.2 Days to first ripe fruit picking

The data on days to first ripe fruit picking as influenced by seed hydropriming,

polymer coating and their interactions are presented in the Table 4.10. Significantly, lower

(90.69) days to first picking was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-

primed (P0) seeds (93.69).

57

Table 4.10 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions ongrowth and yield characteristics in seed production in okra

Treatments Plant ht atfinal harvest

(cm)

Days to firstripe fruit

harvesting

Number of ripefruits per plant

Ripe fruit yieldper plant (g)

Hydropriming (P)

P0 172.46 93.19 10.93 68.11

P1 178.49 90.69 13.28 82.89

CD at 5% (P) NS 1.67 0.77 5.45

Polymer coating (C)

C0 166.10 96.00 11.06 63.59

C1 173.71 93.50 11.73 71.33

C2 177.16 90.13 12.54 80.34

C3 184.93 88.13 13.08 86.66

CD at 5% (C) 10.61 2.36 1.09 7.71


PO C0 161.13 97.25 9.50 56.38

PO C1 170.23 95.00 10.41 64.29

PO C2 174.68 91.00 11.70 72.61

PO C3 183.83 89.50 12.12 79.15

P1 C0 171.08 94.75 12.62 70.81

P1 C1 173.77 92.00 13.05 78.38

P1 C2 177.16 89.25 13.39 88.09

P1 C3 184.93 86.75 14.05 94.16

CD at 5%(PxC)

NS NS 1.54 10.51


58

Days to first picking differed significantly due to seed coating. The minimum (88.13)

days to first picking was recorded in polymer + imidacloprid seed coating (C3) while

maximum (96.00) days to first picking was recorded in control (C0).


found to be non-significant for days to first picking.

4.4.3 Number of ripe fruits per plant

The results on the effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions

on number of ripe fruits per plant have been presented in Table 4.10. Significantly, maximum

(13.28) number of ripe fruits per plant were observed in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared

to non-primed (P0) seeds (10.93).

A significant improvement in number of ripe fruits per plant was observed due to seed

coating. The maximum (13.08) number of ripe fruits per plant was recorded in polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas

minimum (11.06) number of ripe fruits per plant was recorded in control (C0).


also found to be significant for number of ripe fruits per plant. Maximum (14.05) number of

fruits per plant was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating)

which was significantly higher than all other combinations whereas minimum (9.50) number

of ripe fruits per plant were recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.4.4 Ripe fruit yield per plant (g)


interactions on ripe fruit yield per plant have been presented in Table 4.10. Significantly,

higher (82.89g) ripe fruit yield per plant was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared

to non-primed (P0) seeds (68.11g).

A significant improvement in ripe fruit yield per plant was observed due to seed

coating. The maximum (86.66g) ripe fruit yield per plant was recorded in polymer +


minimum (63.59g) ripe fruit yield per plant was recorded in control (C0).

59


also found to be significant for ripe fruit yield per plant. Maximum (56.38g) ripe fruit yield

per plant was recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which

was at par with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) while minimum (94.16g)

ripe fruit yield per plant was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.4.5 Number of seeds per fruit


interactions on number of seeds per fruit have been presented in Table 4.11. Significantly

higher (49.51) number of seeds per fruit was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared

to non-primed (P0) seeds (47.03).

The data also suggested that seed coating improved the number of seeds per fruit in

okra. The maximum (53.04) number of seeds per fruit was recorded in polymer +


minimum (42.47) number of seeds per fruit was recorded in control (C0).

The interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating treatments was

found to be non-significant for number of seeds per fruit.

4.4.6 Seed yield per plant (g)

The results on seed yield per plant as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer

coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.11. Significantly higher

(44.92g) seed yield per plant was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-


Seed yield per plant differed significantly due to seed coating treatments. Polymer +

imidacloprid seed coating (C3) recorded significantly maximum (48.61g) seed yield per plant

while minimum (31.61g) seed yield per plant was recorded in control (C0).


also been found significant for seed yield per plant. Maximum (54.44g) seed yield per plant


par with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) while minimum (27.69g) seed

yield per plant was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

60

Table 4.11 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seedyield and contributing characteristics in seed production in okra

Treatments Number ofseeds per

fruit

Seed yieldper plant (g)

Seed yieldper plot (g)

Seed yield perha (q)

Per cent seedrecovery

Hydropriming (P)

P0 47.03 35.25 489.37 16.31 51.49

P1 49.51 44.92 624.87 20.82 53.97

CD at 5% (P) 1.95 3.83 45.97 1.76 NS

Polymer coating (C)

C0 42.47 31.61 401.35 13.38 49.51

C1 46.75 37.03 542.00 18.07 51.85

C2 50.81 43.10 616.78 20.56 53.65

C3 53.04 48.61 668.33 22.27 55.91

CD at 5% (C) 2.76 5.47 69.08 2.23 NS


PO C0 41.55 27.69 340.99 11.37 48.59

PO C1 45.00 32.32 440.53 14.69 50.46

PO C2 49.27 38.21 556.30 18.54 52.79

PO C3 52.28 42.77 619.63 20.65 54.11

P1 C0 43.38 35.53 461.71 15.39 50.43

P1 C1 48.50 41.75 603.47 20.45 53.23

P1 C2 52.34 47.97 677.26 22.58 54.50

P1 C3 53.80 54.44 717.04 23.90 57.70

CD at 5% (PxC) NS 7.64 90.77 3.02 NS


61

4.4.7 Seed yield per plot (g)


interactions on seed yield per plot have been presented in Table 4.11. Significantly, higher

(624.87g) seed yield per plot was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to non-


The main effect of seed coating revealed maximum (668.33g) seed yield per plot in

seed coated with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) which was at par with imidacloprid coating

(C2) whereas minimum (401.35g) seed fruit yield per plot was recorded in control (C0).


found to be significant for seed yield per plot. Maximum (717.04g) seed yield per plot was

recorded in P1C3 (hydropriming + polymer & imidacloprid seed coating) which was at par

with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating) while minimum (340.99g) seed yield

per plot was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

4.4.8 Seed yield per hectare (q)

The data pertaining to the effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their

interactions on seed yield per hectare have been presented in Table 4.11. Significantly higher

(20.82q) seed yield per hectare was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as compared to

(16.31q).

A significant improvement in seed yield per hectare was observed due to seed coating.

The maximum (22.27q) seed yield per hectare was recorded in polymer + imidacloprid seed

coating (C3) which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating (C2) whereas minimum

(13.38q) seed fruit yield per hectare was recorded in control (C0).


found to be significant for seed yield per hectare. Maximum (23.90q) seed yield per hectare


par with P1C2 (hydropriming + imidacloprid seed coating ) while minimum (11.37q) seed

yield per plot was recorded in P0C0 (no priming + no coating) i.e. control.

62

4.4.9 Per cent seed recovery

The results on per cent seed recovery as influenced by seed hydropriming, polymer

coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.11. The main effects as well as

interaction effects were found to be non-significant for per cent seed recovery.

4.4.10 100 seed weight

The results on 100 seed weight as influenced by the effect of seed hydropriming,

polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.12. The main effects as

well as interaction effects were found to be non-significant for 100 seed weight.


The data on seed germination percentage of harvested seeds as influenced by seed


main effect of seed hydropriming has been found to be non-significant for seed germination.

The main effect of seed coating differed significantly in germination percentage.

Seeds coated with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) recorded maximum (94.25%) germination

which was at par with imidacloprid seed coating and polymer seed coating whereas minimum



found to be non-significant for germination.



interactions on seedling length of harvested seeds have been presented in Table 4.12. The

main effect of seed hydropriming has been found to be non-significant for seedling length.

The main effect of seed coating differed significantly for seedling length. Seeds

coated with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) recorded significantly maximum (14.50cm) seedling

length whereas minimum (13.41cm) seedling length was recorded in control (C0).



63

Table 4.12 Effect of seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seedquality characters of harvested seeds of okra

Treatments 100 Seedweight (g)

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength (cm)

Seedlingdry weight

(mg)

Seedvigourindex-I

Seedvigour

index-II

Hydropriming (P)

P0 6.77 90.31 (9.55) 13.51 28.68 1220.64 2592.06

P1 6.79 92.63 (9.67) 13.98 30.71 1296.70 2845.16

CD at 5% (P) NS NS NS 1.31 74.33 133.03

Polymer coating (C)

C0 6.63 87.25 (9.39) 13.41 28.69 1170.32 2504.59

C1 6.73 91.63 (9.62) 13.63 28.94 1249.20 2652.75

C2 6.79 92.75 (9.68) 13.43 30.22 1246.50 2802.76

C3 6.96 94.25 (9.75) 14.50 30.91 1368.67 2914.34

CD at 5% (C) NS 0.18 0.88 NS 105.12 188.14


PO C0 6.63 85.25 (9.28) 13.36 27.52 1136.33 2341.27

PO C1 6.87 90.50 (9.56) 13.28 27.77 1201.95 2512.70

PO C2 6.72 92.00 (9.64) 13.17 29.67 1211.31 2729.76

PO C3 6.84 93.50 (9.72) 14.23 29.75 1333.00 2778.54

P1 C0 6.64 89.25 (9.49) 13.47 29.85 1204.32 2661.91

P1 C1 6.59 92.75 (9.68) 13.98 30.11 1296.46 2792.81

P1 C2 6.87 93.50 (9.72 13.69 30.78 1281.69 2875.78

P1 C3 7.08 95.00 (9.75) 14.78 32.08 1404.34 3050.15

CD at 5%(PxC)

NS NS NS NS NS NS



64

4.4.13 Seedling dry weight (g)

The results on seedling dry weight of harvested seeds as influenced by the effect of

seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in table 4.12.

Significantly, higher (30.71mg) seedling dry weight was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds

as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (28.68mg).

The coating and interaction effects due to seed hydropriming and polymer coating

treatments were found to be non-significant for seedling dry weight.


The results on seed vigour index-I of harvested seeds as influenced by the effect of

seed hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions have been presented in Table 4.12.

Significantly higher (1296.70) seed vigour index-I was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds as


The main effect of seed coating differed significantly for seed vigour index-I. Seeds

coated with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) recorded maximum (1368.67) seed vigour index-I

whereas minimum (1170.32) seed vigour index-I was recorded in control (C0).


found to be non-significant for seed vigour index-I.



interactions on seed vigour index-II of harvested seeds have been presented in Table 4.12.

Significantly, higher (2845.16) seed vigour index-II was recorded in hydroprimed (P1) seeds

as compared to non-primed (P0) seeds (2592.06).

The main effect of seeds coating treatments differed significantly for seed vigour

index-II. Seeds coated with polymer + imidacloprid (C3) recorded maximum (2914.34) seed




found to be non-significant for seed vigour index-II.

Plate 1. Treatment combinations of hydropriming and polymer coating

Fig 1.(a) No Priming + No Coating Fig 1.(b) Hydropriming + No Coating

Fig 1.(c) No Priming + Polymer coating Fig 1.(d) Hydropriming + Polymer coating

Plate 2. Treatment combinations of hydropriming and polymer coating

Fig 2.(a) No priming + Imidacloprid Fig 2.(b) Hydropriming + Imidacloprid

Fig 2.(c) No Priming + (Polymercoating + Imidacloprid)

Fig 2.(d) Hydropriming + (Polymercoating + Imidacloprid)

Chapter-5

DISCUSSION

Okra is an annual vegetable crop. It thrives well in the hot humid season. It is mainly

grown as a summer and rainy season crop in India. Okra seeds best germinate at temperature

range of 25-35°C. In contrast, when these okra seeds are sown in early spring season, they

show poor germination percentage due to low temperature. This reduced, delayed and erratic

seedling emergence is a serious problem in okra cultivation in early spring season as it

creates problem in uniform field stand. The seed hardness is an another factor which

interferes in seed germination. These problems of germination in okra can be overcome by

many techniques and seed priming is one of them. In the present study, hydropriming was

used as a method of seed priming and had promising effects.

As seed is an efficient carrier for survival and dissemination of pathogens. Therefore, it

is advisable to coat the seeds with polymers, fungicides, insecticides etc to prevent spread.

The polymer coating acted as physical barrier which has been reported to reduce the leaching

of metabolites from seed coat. Therefore, it is one of best alternative approach to maintain

seed quality during storage.

The present studies were therefore planned to work out the effect of seed

hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions on seed storability, field emergence,

other horticultural traits, fruit yield and seed yield in okra.

The investigations were carried out in four different experiments. Experiment I was

carried out in the laboratory with 16 treatments and control to standardize the hydropriming

durations. The aim of experiment I was to standardize the best hydropriming duration among

different durations and subsequently this best hydropriming duration was used in Experiment

II, III and IV. Experiment II was conducted in the laboratory to study the storage potential of

hydroprimed and coated okra seeds. During the storage period of 12 months, germination and

vigour parameters were studied after every three months. Experiment III was conducted in

the field to study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on fresh crop

production. Experiment IV was conducted in the field to study the effect of effect of

hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on seed production.

66

Experimental findings generated during the course of present investigations have been

presented in the preceding chapter. However in this chapter, an attempt has been made to

examine and evaluate the important observations in terms of cause and effect relationships

and explain these in the light of available literature. The salient findings of the present studies

have been discussed as follows:

5.1 EXPERIMENT I: Standardization of hydropriming durations in okra seeds.

In this experiment, seeds were subjected to different hydropriming durations from 0 to

96 hours. These seeds were then tested for germination and vigour parameters to standardize

the best hydropriming duration.

The percentage weight increase from 0 to 74.76% was considered as phase I of

germination where rapid water absorption occurred followed by phase II with little changes

in weight increase from 74.76 to 79.66%. Bewley and Black (1978) concluded that in seed

priming regime, seed water potential is maintained at a level sufficient to initiate metabolic

events in phase II at germination process but prevents radicle emergence. A subsequent

weight increase ranged from 79.66 to 142.96% was considered as phase III. Thus, the range

from 74.76 to 79.66 % weight increase was taken as a seed hydropriming regime, otherwise

beyond which seed would germinate. As seeds also maintain their desiccation tolerance in

phase I and II of germination, it is important to mention here that seed hydropriming in okra

should be done for 54 hours only to maintain desiccation tolerance and also to get maximum

benefits of hydropriming.

The different durations hydroprimed seeds were evaluated for their seed quality

parameters. Hydropriming seeds for 54 hours duration resulted in maximum germination

(94.75%), seedling length (17.60cm), seedling dry weight (29.42mg), seed vigour index-I

(1669.57) and seed vigour index-II (2786.71) as compared to other hydropriming durations.

However, minimum seed quality was observed for 96 hours of hydropriming i.e. germination

percentage (69.00%), seedling length (8.87cm), seed vigour index-I (612.38) and seed vigour

index-II (1605.06). The possible reason for enhanced germination and vigour at 54 hours of

seed hydropriming lies in fact that there is completion of pre-germinative metabolic processes

i.e. repair of DNA, synthesis of enzymes etc. which gives a hydroprimed seed a head start

over the non-primed seeds making ready for radical protrusion (Varier et al., 2010). These

results proved the conformity with the findings of Mehta et al. (2014). Seed hydropriming

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might have resulted in repair of DNA, synthesis of protein and enzymes necessary for

germination (Finch and Mcquinstah, 1991). However after 54 hours of seed hydropriming,

there is radicle protrusion and hence seeds become desiccation sensitive and prone to

deterioration. Similar methods of determining the best hydropriming duration was used by

Bijanzadeh et al. (2010) in rape seed and Mehta et al. (2013) in cucumber.

5.2 EXPERIMENT II: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating onseed storability

Besides faster emergence, uniformity and synchrony in seed germination, several

reports mention that primed seeds after drying can be stored for different durations depending

upon the crop. Similarly seed coating with polymers help to further increase the storage

potential of seed (Natarajan et al., 2012). In the present study, hydroprimed and non-

primed seeds treated with polymer @ 10ml/kg seeds and imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg seeds

and their combination alongwith untreated control. The seeds were then stored under

ambient conditions from 23rd May 2014 to 22nd May 2015. The observations on seed

germination and vigour parameters were taken at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage and the

results obtained are discussed as follows.

Deterioration of seed is a natural process which is inevitable, inexorable and

irreversible but the rate of deterioration of seed may differ due to genetic factor (Robert,

1972; Wittington, 1978), storage environment (Roberts, 1961), period of storage (Reddy,

1985) and seed treatments (Zhang et al., 1989) etc. In storage viability and vigour of seeds

are greatly influenced by initial seed quality or vigour, where it plays a vital role in

maintaining the seed quality during the entire storage period.

Noticeable and consistent variation in seed quality parameters were observed in the

entire twelve months of storage period. The results of the present study w.r.t. main effect of

revealed seed priming significant difference in seed quality parameters due to seed

hydropriming at different periods of the storage i.e. 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Hydroprimed

seeds recorded significantly higher germination (95.12, 93.44, 91.18, 89.44 and 86.83%

respectively) during entire 12 months of storage period as compared to non-primed seeds.

Although hydroprimed seeds recorded maximum germination throughout the storage period

but decline was recorded from 95.12% to 86.83% during 12 months of storage. In non-

hydroprimed seeds decline in germination percentage was from 87.69% to 77.65% during 12

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months of storage. However, hydroprimed seeds show superiority over non-primed seeds

during the entire period of 12 months storage. Hacisalihoglu and Ross (2010) reported sharp

decline in germination and seed quality parameters during the storage period. The reduction

in germination percentage of hydro-primed seeds could be attributed to dehydration damage

and nutrient leakage during storage period. The decline in seed germination in hydroprimed

as well non-primed seeds might be due to cytoplasmic or physiological changes in subcellular

system (membrane, mitochondria, protein synthesis, ribosomes and DNA) and enzyme

machinery during storage within seed noticed due to ageing (Chauhan et al., 1984). These

results are in conformity with the findings of Raikar (1990) and Sandhyarani (2002) in cotton

and Krishna (1993) in sunflower.

Significant variation in seedling length, dry weight, vigour index-I and vigour index-

II were also observed due to seed hydropriming at all the months of testing during one year of

storage. A gradual reduction in these parameters were noticed with advancement of storage

period. At 0 month, higher seedling length (17.73cm), seedling dry weight (30.78mg), seed

vigour index-I (1690.72) and seed vigour index-II (2931.45) were recorded in hydroprimed

seeds, than non-primed seeds (12.95cm, 26.48mg, 1114.15 and 2276.20). Even after 12

months storage, hydroprimed seeds maintained its superiority in seedling length (12.95cm),

seedling dry weight (26.48mg), seed vigour index-I (1114.15) and seed vigour index-II

(2276.20) over non-primed seeds (10.99cm, 25.24mg, 854.61 and 1960.03) respectively.

This decline in seed vigour parameters may be due to damage to membrane enzyme, proteins

and nucleic acids and such degenerative changes resulted in the complete disorganization of

membrane and cell organelle (Roberts, 1972). Also the changes which take place during

priming are irreversible and are susceptible to subsequent desiccation that follows priming

(Karssen et al., 1989; Saha et al,. 1990).

The main effect of seed coating revealed that seeds coated with polymer @ 10ml and

imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg seeds had maximum germination (94.63, 93.37, 91.13, 89.38 and

85.78% respectively) during entire 12 months of storage period as compared to others. These

results are in agreement with Natarajan et al. (2012) who also reported higher germination in

maize with pink polykote + fungicide + insecticide treatment. In non-coated seeds decline in

germination percentage was from 87.00% to 77.53% during 12 months of storage. The rate

of reduction in germination percentage from beginning of the storage period till the end of

12th month of storage was slower in seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid, compared

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to non-coated seeds. These results are in conformity with the findings of Taylor et al. (2001)

in onion, Vanangamudi et al. (2003) in maize and Larissa et al. (2004) in onion and bean.

They reported that seed coating with polymer in combination with pesticide reduce storage

rot and maintain germination percentage during storage for longer time.

The other seed quality parameters viz. seedling length, seed vigour index-I and seed

vigour index-II recorded at the end of 12 months of storage was 12.91cm, 1111.50 and

2272.18 respectively with polymer and imidacloprid coating, whereas non-coated recorded

10.81cm, 843.65 and 1977.55 values for seed quality attributes respectively at the end of

storage period. The results for seedling dry weight were found non-significant. The polymer

keeps the seed intact, as it acts as binding material and covers the minor cracks and

aberrations on the seed coat thus blocking the fungal invasion. It may also act as a physical

barrier which reduces leaching of metabolites from seed coverings and restricts oxygen

movement and thus reducing the respiration of embryo thereby reducing the aging effect on

seeds (Duan and Burris, 1997). The polymer also prevents moisture content fluctuations

during storage (West et al., 1985).

Study of interaction effects of seed hydropriming and polymer coating were found

significant for only germination, seed vigour index-I and II. Hydroprimed seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid (P1C3) recorded maximum germination (98.25, 97.25, 95.50, 93.75

and 90.15% respectively) at all three months interval of testing during 12 months of storage

period. These results are in conformation with Chandravathi (2008) in pearl millet. In control,

there was decline in seed germination was from 87.69% to 77.65% in 12 months of storage.

The decline in seed germination was more rapid in non-primed and non-coated seeds

(control) as compared to other treatment combinations. Interaction effects were found to be

non-significant for seedling length and seedling dry weight. Maximum seed vigour index-I

and II was recorded in hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer @ 10ml and imidacloprid @

3ml/kg seeds (1910.55 and 3213.74) at the beginning of storage period i.e. at 0 month of

storage and these parameters decreased to 1284 and 2452.74 at the end of storage period i.e.

after 12 months of storage, respectively. Hence seed quality parameters decreased as storage

period increased may be due to natural ageing, resulting in different changes that are reported

to take place at different levels during seed deterioration including important shifts in

metabolic activity, constitutive changes like membrane permeability as evidenced by leakage

of electrolytes from naturally aged seeds (Pandey, 1989).

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From the results as discussed above, it can be concluded that to maintain the quality

of okra seeds during storage, it may be hydroprimed for 54 hours and then should be coated

with polymer @ 10ml and imidacloprid 3ml/kg of seeds.

5.3 EXPERIMENT III: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coatingof seeds on fresh crop production in okra

In the present study, 54 hours hydroprimed and non-primed seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid alone and in combination were compared with no coating.

The seeds were tested for field emergence, growth and fruit yield performance during

Kharif season of 2014. During field studies, observations on days to 50% emergence,

total field emergence, plant height at 30 days after sowing, plant height at final harvest,

days to first picking, harvest duration, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, number

of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare

were taken and result obtained are discussion below.

Days to 50% of emergence is an important character and indicator of getting

early yield in okra. The main effect revealed that days to 50% emergence decreased

from 5.13 days in non-primed seeds to 4.10 days in hydroprimed seeds. These results

are in conformity with the work of Arif (2005) who reported that probable reason for

early emergence of hydroprimed seeds may be due to the completion of pre-germinative

metabolic activities during priming process, making the seed ready for radicle

emergence and hence hydroprimed seeds emerged earlier after sowing as compared to

non-primed seeds. Stimulatory effect of priming on the early stages of germination

process by mediation of cell division in germinating seeds have also been reported by

Siviritepe et al. (2003). The main effect of coating revealed that days to 50% emergence

decreased from 6.00 days in control to 3.63 days in polymer and imidacloprid coated

seeds. This may be because of the reason that seed coating with polymer regulate the

rate of water uptake, reduced the imbibitions damage and improved the germination

percentage and seedling emergence (Chachalis and Smith, 2001). These results could

also be supported by Sharratt and Gesch (2008) who reported that the time between

germination and emergence of soybean seeds tended to be less for polymer coated

seeds. Study of interaction effects of seed hydropriming and polymer coating revealed

the significant reduction in days to 50% emergence with hydropriming and coating as

compared to control (i.e. no priming + no coating). The hydroprimed seeds coated with

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polymer and imidacloprid emerged 3 days earlier than non-primed + non-coated seeds.

Similar results were obtained by Chandavathi (2008) who reported less days to 50%

emergence in hydroprimed seeds and coated with polymer in pearl millet.

Field emergence of seed is the most important practical aspect of seed quality as it

decides the performance of the resultant crop. Field emergence reduced linearly from 85.38%

to 80.63% with hydroprimed seeds to non-primed seeds. These results are in agreement with

work of Harris et al. (1999) who demonstrated that hydropriming improves uniformity of

germination and emergence and enhance plant establishment. Seed coating treatments

revealed that maximun (86.00%) field emergence was recorded in seeds coated with polymer

and imidacloprid. This may be due to the reasons that the hydrophillic nature of polymer

leads to activation of cells and results in enhancement of mitochondrial activity leading to the

formation of more high energy compounds and vital molecules and these were made

available during the early phases of germination (Kavitha, 2002). Interaction study revealed

that maximum (89.00%) field emergence was recorded in hydroprimed seeds alongwith

polymer and imidacloprid and minimum (74.50%) in control. This decrease in the field

emergence in control may be due to age induced deteriorative changes in cell and cell

organelles and germinative capacity of seed under natural soil conditions. These results are in

confirmity with the findings of Rao and Ranganathaiah (1988) in paddy and Muthuraj et al.

(2002) in soybean.

Plant height at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and final harvest is an indicator of

vigorous and early growth associated with fast emergence. Main effects revealed that

significantly taller plants were recorded at 30 DAS and final harvest (45.27cm, 189.42cm)

respectively in hydroprimed seeds as compared to non-primed seeds. These findings are in

agreement with results reported by Shah et al. (2011).They reported that primed seeds gave

maximum plant height in okra. This may be due to early emergence and also rapid cell

division and elongation in meristematic region. The main effect of coating revealed that

maximum plant height at 30 DAS and final harvest (45.27cm, 191.08cm respectively) was

recorded in polymer and imidacloprid coated seeds. The higher plant height may be attributed

due to activation of metabolic activity of seed. The activation of metabolic activity of seed

could be due to hydrophilic polymer present in the coating material, which might improve the

rate of water uptake by the seeds (Baxter and Waters, 1986) leading to early germination and

better seedling establishment, which might helped in better plant height. Interaction effects

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between hydropriming and polymer coating were found to be non-significant for plant height

at 30 DAS. Interaction effects were found to be significant for plant height at final harvest

where hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid coating gave maximum

(195.08cm) values. These results are in confirmation with those obtained of Albrecht et al.

(1981) in corn.

Days to first picking is an indicator of maturity period in okra. Early maturity is

desirable which fetches good returns to the growers. The data revealed that fruits were ready

for marketing in 62.88 days in hydroprimed seeds i.e. 2 days earlier than non-primed seeds.

These results are in agreement with the results of Harris et al. (2001) who reported that

primed maize seeds flower and mature earlier than non-primed seeds. The probable reason

for early maturity of primed crops may be due to the fact that plants from primed seeds took

fewer days to emergence and flower therefore it matured earlier than plants from non-primed

seeds. Minimum (59.75) days to first picking were taken by seed coated with polymer and

imidacloprid than control (67.63 days). The interaction effects of hydropriming and polymer

coating were found to be non-significant for days to first picking.

Longer harvest duration is a desirable trait for continuous supply of fresh okra fruits

to market over longer periods. The data revealed longer harvest duration of 47.32 days in

hydroprimed seeds than non-primed seeds. This is an account of early flowering in

hydroprimed seeds as a result of early emergence and high seedling vigour. Early flowering

leads to early fruit set thereby leading to longer duration in hydroprimed seeds. The longest

harvest duration (50.48 days) was observed in seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid

than other treatments and non-coated seeds. Study of interaction between hydropriming and

polymer coating was also found to be significant. Longer harvest duration (50.47 days) was

recorded in hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid while shortest was

recorded in non-treated seeds. The longer harvest duration in this treatment may be due to

early flowering and subsequent healthier crop growth.

Fruit yield and yield contributing characters like fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit

weight and number of fruits per plant plays an important role in increasing the profit from the

crop. The characters studied are discussed below.

Fruit length is an important marketable trait in okra because of the preference given

by the consumer. Fruit length differed significantly between hydroprimed and non primed

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seeds. Significantly more fruit length (16.39cm) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds as

compared to non-coated seeds (15.37cm). The results are in agreement with Rashid et al.

(2002) who reported an increase in ear length of primed seeds in wheat. Seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid recorded maximum fruit length (17.27cm).and minimum

(15.18cm) in non-coated seeds. This may be due to accumulation of more dry matter content

due to healthy crop growth which leads to increase in fruit length (Aravindkumar et al.,

1991). Interaction effects of hydropriming and polymer coating differed significantly.

Significantly longer fruits (18.37cm) were recorded in hydroprimed seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid. These results are in conformity with Kumar et al. (2014) who

reported that polymer coating effectively increased the yield contributing characters in pigeon

pea.

Fruit diameter differed significantly between hydroprimed and non-primed seeds. The

data revealed that maximum fruit diameter (2.17cm) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds.

Polymer and imidacloprid coated seeds recorded maximum fruit diameter (2.37cm) than

non-coated seeds. This may be due to vigorous growth of the plants due to hydropriming and

coating leading to more photosynthesis of assimilates. Study of interaction between

hydropriming and polymer coating were found to be non-significant for fruit diameter.

Productivity and quality of okra largely depend on fruit weight. More fruit weight

(26.41g) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds and non-primed seeds (24.29g). The results are

in conformity with Rashid et al. (2002) who reported an increase in ear weight in primed

seeds of wheat. The maximum (28.60g) fruit weight was also found in seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid while minimum (22.77g) was found in non-coated seeds. The

study of interaction effect between hydropriming and polymer coating was found to be non-

significant for fruit weight.

Both production and productivity of the plants is largely influenced by the number of

fruits per plant. This is the one of the most important character contributing directly to higher

yields. More number of fruits per plant (20.90) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds than in

non-primed seeds (18.64). The results are in conformation with Shah et al. (2011) who

reported that primed seeds increased the number of pods per plant in okra. Coating data

revealed that maximum (22.10) number of fruits per plant was recorded in seeds coated with

polymer and imidacloprid than non-coated seeds (16.97). The results are in agreement with

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Ramesh et al. (2011) who stated that the groundnut seeds coated with polymer recorded

maximum number of pods per plant. Study of interaction between hydropriming and polymer

coating was also found significant. The maximum (23.55) number of fruits were recorded in

hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid than non-treated seeds (15.87).

Similar results were found by Chandravathi (2008). The increase in number of fruits per plant

may be due to early growth and flowering, more plant height and longer harvest duration.

The yield and yield components viz. fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit

yield per hectare differed significantly between hydroprimed and non-primed seeds. The

higher fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare (227.84g, 3.88 kg

and 129.34q) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds than non-primed seeds (218.71g, 3.55 kg

and 118.59q) respectively. The results are in conformity with Dabrowska et al. (2000) in hot

pepper, Harris et al. (2001) in maize and Rashid et al. (2002) in wheat and Sharma et al.

(2014) in okra. They reported that increase in fruit yield may be due to early emergence,

higher total emergence, increase in fruit weight and more number of fruit per plant. The

maximum yield per plant, per plot and per hectare (231.38g, 4.34 kg and 144.81q) was also

recorded in seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid while minimum (214.38g, 3.10 kg

and 102.59q) was recorded in non-coated seeds. The results are in conformity with

Chikkanna et al. (2000) who recorded higher pod yield in groundnut when coated with

polymer. Yield increase due to polymer coating was also reported in mustard by Padmini et

al. (1994). The interaction effect of hydropriming and polymer coating revealed that

hydropriming with polymer and imidacloprid coating gave maximum yield per plant, per plot

and per hectare (238.00g, 4.58 kg and 152.76q) while control gave minimum (211.25g, 2.95

kg and 98.19q) yield, respectively. The yield increase in hydroprimed and polymer +

imidacloprid coated seeds was 55.6% over the control i.e. non-primed and non-coated seeds.

The results are in conformity with Chandavathi (2008) who reported increase in yield in pearl

millet due to hydropriming and polymer coating.

From the experiment it can be concluded that okra seeds may be hydroprimed for 54

hours and then may be coated with polymer @ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg of seeds

before sowing to get early emergence and growth, early picking, longer harvest duration of

quality fruits and higher fruit yield.

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5.4 EXPERIMENT IV: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating ofseeds on seed production in okra

In the present study, hydroprimed and non-primed seeds treated with polymer,

imidacloprid and their combination along with untreated control were sown in field

during Kharif season of 2014. The observations were recorded in the field on plant

height at final harvest (cm), days to first ripe fruit harvesting, number of ripe fruits per

plant, ripe fruit yield per plant (g), number of seeds per fruit, seed yield per plant (g),

seed yield per plot (g), seed yield per hectare (q), per cent seed recovery and 100 seed

weight. In the laboratory, observations on germination, seedling length, seedling dry

weight, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II of harvested seeds were taken and

results obtained are discussion below.

Plant height at final harvest is an indicator of plant vigour. Results revealed that

taller plant height at final harvest (178.46cm) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds than non-

primed (172.46cm). The higher plant height may be attributed due to activation of metabolic

activity of seed resulting in early and vigorous growth. These findings are in agreement with

results of Shah et al. (2011) who reported that primed seeds gave maximum plant height in

okra. The main effect of seed coating revealed that maximum plant height at final harvest

(184.93cm) was recorded in polymer and imidacloprid coated seeds and minimum

(166.10cm) in control. Interaction effects between seed hydropriming and polymer coating

were found to be non-significant for plant height at final harvest.

Days to first ripe fruit harvesting is an indicator of maturity period in okra. The

number of days taken to harvest maturity was earlier in the hydroprimed seeds (90.69 days)

over non-primed seeds (93.19 days). Similar results were obtained by Pushaplatha (2008) in

okra. This might be due to early emergence, growth and flowering. The number of days taken

to harvest maturity of fruits for seed was earlier in the seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid (88.13 days) over control (96.00 days). These results are also in conformity with

the results of Kumar et al. (2014) in pigeon pea. Interaction effects between seed

hydropriming and polymer coating were found to be non-significant for days to ripe fruit

harvesting.

Number of ripe fruits per plant is the one of the most important character contributing

directly to higher seed yields. Number of ripe fruits per plant (13.28) was recorded in

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hydroprimed seeds than in non-primed seeds (10.93). Similar results have also been reported

by Vijayaraghavan (1999) in okra. This may be due to early flowering and also vigorous

plant growth resulting in increased the photosynthetic activity. The main effect of seed

coating revealed that maximum (13.08) number of fruits per plant was recorded in seeds

coated with polymer and imidacloprid than non-coated seeds (11.06). The results are in

agreement with Ramesh et al. (2011) who stated that the groundnut seeds coated with

polymer recorded maximum number of pods per plant. Study of interaction between seed

hydropriming and polymer coating was also found significant. The maximum (14.05) number

of ripe fruits per plant were found in hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid seeds than non-treated seeds (9.50). Similar results were found by Chandravathi

(2008), who reported higher number of ripe fruits per plant in pearl millet.

Ripe fruit yield per plant differed significantly between hydroprimed and non-primed

seeds. The higher (82.89g) ripe fruit yield per plant was recorded in hydroprimed seeds than

in non-primed seeds (68.11g). Similar results were found by Pushaplatha (2008) who also

reported that seed priming increase the ripe fruit yield in okra. Maximum (86.66g) ripe fruit

yield was recorded in seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid while minimum (63.59g)

in non-coated seeds. The results are in conformity with the results of Chikkanna et al. (2000)

who recorded higher pod yield in groundnut when coated with polymer. Interaction between

seed hydropriming and polymer coating also differed significantly. Maximum value (94.16g)

was recorded in hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid and minimum

(56.38g) in control. Similar results were found by Chandravathi (2008) who also reported

yield increase in pearl millet by seed hydropriming and polymer coating.

Number of seeds per fruit is the one of the most important character contributing

directly to higher seed yield. The maximum (49.51) number of seeds per fruit were recorded

in hydroprimed seeds, owing to the bigger and good quality fruits resulting in healthier,

bolder and increased number of seeds, and minimum (47.03) in non-primed seeds. These

results are in line with the findings of Rashid et al. (2002), who reported in different field

crops that priming enhanced grains per pod. Seed coating effects revealed that maximum

(53.04) number of seeds per plant was recorded in seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid than other treatments and non-coated seeds (42.47). This may be due to

vigorous seedling led to healthy plant with early flowering, resulting in longer pods with

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more number of seeds per pod. Interaction between seed hydropriming and polymer coating

was non-found significant.

The seed yield components viz. seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot and seed yield

per hectare differed significantly between hydroprimed and non-primed seeds. The more seed

yield per plant, per plot and per hectare (44.92g, 624.87g and 20.82q) was recorded in

hydroprimed seeds than in non-primed seeds (35.25g, 489.37g and 16.31q) respectively. This

might be due to increase in field emergence, taller plants and high seed yield attributing

characters like number of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit. These results are in

conformation with Pushaplatha (2008) who reported increase in yield due to seed priming.

The maximum seed yield per plant, per plot and per hectare (48.61g, 668.33g and 22.27q)

was recorded in seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid while minimum (31.61g,

401.35g and 13.38q) in control, respectively. Similar results were also observed by

Zhobolsynova et al. (1992) who reported that the seed coating with polymers increased the

yield in wheat. Bhatnagar and Porwal (1990) reported higher seed yield with polymer coating

in chickpea. Interaction effects of hydropriming and polymer coating were also found to be

significant. The maximum yield per plant, per plot and per hectare (54.44g, 717.04g and

23.90q) was recorded in hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid while

minimum (27.69g, 340.99g and 11.37q) in control. There was an increase of 110.20% in seed

yield hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid over control i.e. non-primed

and non-coated seeds. This can be attributed to early and uniform emergence, high total

emergence and survival, taller plants, more number of fruits per plant and more number of

seeds per fruit. These results are in conformity with Chandravathi (2008) in pearl millet.

The data on per cent seed recovery and 100 seed weight was found to be non-

significant for hydropriming, polymer coating and their interactions.

The seed quality parameters of harvested seed from different treatments like

germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and II were studied in

the laboratory. The main effect of hydropriming revealed non-significant results for

germination and seedling length, while seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and II were

higher (30.71 mg, 1296.70 and 2592.06) in seeds harvested from hydroprimed seeds

treatment as compared to non-primed seeds (28.68 mg, 1220.64 and 2592.06) respectively.

The main effect of seed coating was non-significant for seedling dry weight while maximum

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values of germination, seedling length, seed vigour index-I and II (94.25%, 14.50cm, 1368.67

and 2914.34) recorded in seeds harvested from the treatment where seeds were coated with

polymer and imidacloprid. The interaction effects between hydropriming and coating was

found to be non-significant for all these seed quality parameters. The results are in

conformity with the findings of Shakuntala et al. (2010) ) in sunflower and Ramesh et al.

(2011 and Chandravathi et al. (2012) in pearl millet.

From the present experiment, it can be concluded that seed hydropriming for 54 hours

alongwith coating with polymer @ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg of seeds may done before

sowing to get high yield of quality seeds in okra.

Chapter-6

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONThe present investigations were undertaken to evaluate the effect of seed

hydropriming and polymer coating on storability and field performance in okra. The

investigations were carried out as four different experiments. Experiment I was carried out in

the laboratory with 16 treatments and control. The aim of Experiment-I was to standardize

the best priming duration among different durations which could further be used in

conducting the Experiment-II, III and IV. Experiment-II was conducted in the laboratory to

study the storage potential of treated seeds, during the storage period of 12 months, based on

germination and vigour parameters. Experiment-III was conducted in the field to study the

effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on fresh crop production. Experiment-

IV was conducted in the field to study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of

seeds on seed crop production. The data recorded pertaining to different characters were

statistically analyzed and significance of results were verified. The results obtained have been

summarized experiment wise as follows.

6.1 EXPERIMENT I: Standardization of hydropriming duration in okra seeds

In this experiment, seeds were subjected to different hydropriming durations from 0 to

96 hours at 15°C temperature. The per cent increase on wet seed weight was worked out and

tri-phasic graph of seed germination was plotted. After this the seeds were dried back to

original moisture content of 8%. The seeds were then tested for germination and vigour

parameters to standardize the best hydropriming duration. Hydropriming duration of 54 hours

recorded maximum seed germination (94.75%), seedling length (17.60cm), seedling dry

weight (29.42mg), seed vigour index-I (1669.57) and seed vigour index-II (2786.71) as

compared to other hydropriming durations. Hence, it was concluded that amongst all seed

hydropriming durations studied, hydropriming okra seeds for 54 hours at 15°C was found to

be best as it resulted in maximum germination and vigour. Therefore, this duration of

hydropriming was used for further studies.

6.2 EXPERIMENT II: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating onseed storability

In this experiment, the treatment comprised of non-primed seeds and primed seeds viz.,

P0 (Non-primed seeds) and P1 (Hydroprimed seeds) combined with four seed coating treatments

80

viz., C0 (No coating), C1 (Polymer coating @ 10ml/kg seeds), C2 (Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg

seeds) and C3 (Polymer @ 10 ml & imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds). The seeds were then

stored under ambient conditions and germination and vigour tests were conducted at 0 month, 3

months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of storage by using between paper method.

The results of the present study revealed significant differences in seed quality

parameters due to main effect of seed hydropriming at all the months of the storage period.

Initially i.e. 0 month of storage, the main effect of hydropriming recorded significantly higher

germination (95.12%), seedling length (17.73cm), seedling dry weight (30.78mg), seed

vigour index-I (1690.72) and seed vigour index-II (2931.45). At all storage intervals,

hydroprimed seeds maintained its superiority over non-primed seeds for all these parameters.

After 12 months of storage, hydroprimed seeds again recorded higher germination (86.83%),

seedling length (12.95cm), seedling dry weight (26.48mg), seed vigour index-I (1114.15) and

seed vigour index-II (2276.20) as compared to non-primed seeds.

Initially i.e. at 0 month of storage, the main effect of seed coating recorded

significantly maximum germination (94.63%), seed vigour index-I (1643.76) and seed vigour

index-II (2922.52) in polymer + imidacloprid coated seeds (C3). The results for seedling

length and seedling dry weight were non-significant at 0 month of storage. At the end of

storage period, seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid again recorded maximum

germination (85.78%), seedling length (12.91cm), seed vigour index-I (1111.50) and seed

vigour index-II (2272.18). The results for seedling dry weight was non-significant after 12

months of storage.

Interaction effects of seed hydropriming and polymer coating were found significant

for germination, seed vigour index-I and II. At 0 month of storage, the interaction effects of

hydropriming and polymer coating revealed that hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid (P1C3) recorded maximum germination (98.25%), seed vigour index-I (1910.55)

and seed vigour index-II (3213.74). After 12 month of storage, hydroprimed seeds coated

with polymer and imidacloprid recorded maxmimum germination (90.15%), seed vigour

index-I (1284.25) and seed vigour index-II (2452.74).

6.3 EXPERIMENT III: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating ofseeds on fresh crop production in okra.

In this experiment, treatment were same as in experiment-II. The seeds were

tested for field emergence, growth and fruit yield parameters during Kharif season of

81

2014. The main effect of seed hydropriming revealed significantly desirable results for

all the traits in hydroprimed seeds as compared to non-primed seeds. In hydroprimed

seeds, minimum values were recorded for days to 50% emergence (4.10 days) and days

to first picking (62.88 days), while maximum values were recorded for total field

emergence (85.38%), plant height at 30 days after sowing (45.27cm), plant height at

final harvest (189.42cm), harvest duration (47.32 days), fruit length (16.39cm), fruit

diameter (2.17cm), fruit weight (26.41g), number of fruits per plant (20.90), fruit yield

per plant (227.84g), fruit yield per plot (3.88 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (129.34q).

The main effect of seed coating revealed that seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid (C3) recorded minimum values were recorded for days to 50% emergence

(3.63 days) and days to first picking (59.75days), while maximum values were recorded

for total field emergence (86.00%), plant height at 30 days after sowing (45.27cm), plant

height at final harvest (191.08cm), harvest duration (50.48 days), fruit length (17.27cm),

fruit diameter (2.37cm), fruit weight (28.60g), number of fruits per plant (22.10), fruit

yield per plant (231.38g), fruit yield per plot (4.34 kg) and fruit yield per hectare.

Interaction effects of seed hydropriming and polymer coating revealed that

hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid recorded minimum value for

days to 50% emergence (3.25 days), maximum values for total field emergence (89.00

%), plant height at final harvest (195.08 days), longest harvest duration (50.47 days),

number of fruits per plant (23.55), fruit yield per plant (238.00g), fruit yield per plot

(4.58 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (152.76q) respectively.

6.4 EXPERIMENT IV: To study the effect of hydropriming and polymer coating ofseeds on seed production in okra

In this experiment, treatment were also same as in experiment-II. The treatments

were tested for seed yield and contributing characters during Kharif season of 2014. The

main effect of seed hydropriming revealed significantly desirable results for all the

traits in hydroprimed seeds as compared to non-primed seeds. In hydroprimed seeds,

minimum value was recorded for days to first ripe fruit harvesting (90.69 days), while

maximum values were recorded for plant height at final harvest (178.46cm), number of

ripe fruits per plant (13.28), ripe fruit yield per plant (82.89g), number of seeds per fruit

(49.51), seed yield per plant (44.92g), seed yield per plot (624.87g) and seed yield per

hectare (20.82q) respectively.

82

The main effect of seed coating revealed that seeds coated with polymer and

imidacloprid (C3) recorded minimum value for days to first ripe fruit harvesting (88.13

days), while maximum values were recorded for plant height at final harvest (184.93cm),

number of ripe fruits per plant (13.08), ripe fruit yield per plant (86.66g), number of

seeds per fruit (53.04), seed yield per plant (48.61g), seed yield per plot (668.33g) and

seed yield per hectare (22.27q).

Interaction effects of seed hydropriming and polymer coating revealed that

hydroprimed seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid (P1C3) recorded maximum

values for number of ripe fruits per plant (14.05), ripe fruit yield per plant (94.16g), seed

yield per plant (54.44g), seed yield per plot (717.04g) and seed yield per hectare

(23.90q).

In case of seed quality harvested seeds, maximum seed vigour index-I (1296.70) and

seed vigour index-II (2845.16) were observed in the hydroprimed seeds. The main effect of

seed coating revealed that seeds coated with polymer and imidacloprid recorded maximum

germination (94.25%), seedling length (14.50cm), seed vigour index-I (1368.67) and seed

vigour index-II (2914.34). Interaction effects were found non-significant for other seed

quality parameters.

CONCLUSION:

• Amongst all seed hydropriming durations studied, hydropriming okra seeds for 54

hours at 15°C temperature was found to be best as it resulted in maximum

enhancement of germination and vigour over non-primed seeds.

• Hydropriming seeds for 54 hours at 15°C and then coating them with polymer @

10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg of seeds was found to be most effective in maintaining

seed quality parameters i.e. germination and vigour during the storage period of one

year.

• In fresh market crop production, hydropriming seeds for 54 hours at 15°C and then

coating them with polymer @ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg resulted in better

emergence, growth and fruit yield.

83

• In seed production, hydropriming seeds for 54 hours at 15°C and then coating them

with polymer @ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg resulted in higher seed yield and

seed quality parameters in okra.

Hence, it can be concluded that hydropriming okra seeds for 54 hours at 15°C and

then coating them with polymer @ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg (P1C3) may be done

before storage to maintain seed quality or before sowing of seeds for getting higher fruit or

seed yield.

Chapter-7

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DR Y S PARMAR UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRYNAUNI, SOLAN (HP) 173230

DEPARTMENT OF SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Title of Thesis : “Effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds onstorability and field performance in okra [Abelmoschusesculentus (L.) Moench]”

Name of the Student : Neha DhimanAdmission Number : H-2013-55-MMajor Advisor : Dr D K MehtaMajor Field : Seed Science and TechnologyMinor Field(s) : Vegetable ScienceDegree Awarded : Master of Science (Ag.) Seed Science and TechnologyYear of Award of Degree : 2015Number of Pages in Thesis : 93+XNumber of Words in Abstract : 462

ABSTRACT

The present investigations entitled “Effect of hydropriming and polymer coating of seeds on storabilityand field performance in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” was carried out using cultivar P-8 as fourdifferent experiments. Experiment-I was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to standardize thebest hydropriming duration. The okra seeds (30g each) were hydroprimed at 15° C for 6 hours intervals up to 96hours alongwith control. Based on the observations on per cent increase in weight, germination percentage,seedling length, seedling dry weight and seed vigour index-I and II hydroprimed seeds 54 hours duration wasfound best treatment and further used for conducting Experiment II, III and IV. Experiment-II (Storage studies)was carried out in the laboratory from 23rd May 2014 to 22nd May 2015 with Completely Randomized Design(Factorial). The germination and vigour of seeds were tested using between paper method. The treatment comprised ofnon-primed seeds and primed seeds viz., P0 (Non-primed seeds) and P1 (Hydroprimed seeds) combined with four seedcoating treatments viz., C0 (No coating), C1 (Polymer coating @ 10ml/kg seeds), C2 (Imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kgseeds) and C3 (Polymer @ 10 ml & imidacloprid coating @ 3ml/kg seeds). The treated seeds along with control werestored under ambient conditions and germination and vigour tests were conducted at 0 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9months and 12 months of storage. From the storage studies, it was concluded that ‘P1C3’ (Hydropriming + polymer &imidacloprid seed coating) was best in maintaining the seed quality during entire storage period. Experiment-III and IV(Field studies for fresh crop and seed production) was carried out in the field during Kharif 2014 in RandomizedComplete Block Design (RBCD) Factorial. The treatments were same as used in Experiment-II. The observationswere recorded on emergence (%), growth, fruit yield, seed yield and seed quality characters. Hydroprimed seedscoated with polymer @ 10 ml and imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg seeds (P1C3) were found to be the best treatment formost of the traits understudy recording minimum value for days to 50% emergence (3.25 days) and maximumvalues for highest total field emergence (89.00%), plant height at final harvest (195.08), harvest duration (50.47days), fruit length (18.37 cm), number of fruits per plant (23.55), fruit yield per plant (238.00g), fruit yield perplot (4.58 kg), fruit yield per hectare (152.76q), number of ripe fruits per plant (14.05),ripe fruit yield per plant(94.16g), see yield per plant (54.44g), seed yield per plot (717.04g) and seed yield per hectare (23.90q).Hence, it was concluded that hydropriming okra seeds for 54 hours at 15°C and then coating them with polymer@ 10ml + imidacloprid @ 3ml/kg (P1C3) may be done before storage to maintain seed quality or before sowingof seeds for getting higher fruit or seed yield.

Signature of the Major Advisor Signature of the StudentCountersigned

Professor and HeadDepartment of Seed Science and Technology

Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and ForestryNauni, Solan (HP) 173 230

I

APPENDIX – I

Analysis of variance for various seed quality parameters in okra seeds - Experiment I

*Significant at 5% level of significance

APPENDIX - II

Analysis of variance for germination and vigour in okra seeds in storage- Experiment II

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*0 month of Storage 3 months of storage

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength(cm)

Seedlingdry weight

(mg)

Seed vigourindex-I

Seed vigourindex-II

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength(cm)

Seedlingdry weight

(mg)

Seed vigourindex-1

Seed vigourindex-II

Hydropriming 1 1.20* 78.00* 62.81* 1,340,823.26* 1,831,133.56* 1.24* 28.89* 32.92* 643,498.18* 1,260,999.16*

Polymer coating 3 0.24* 4.78 11.28 185,997.69* 406,812.58* 0.25* 5.45 8.93 126,418.54* 287,873.54*

Hydropriing×polymer coating

3 0.21* 2.61 1.46 74,502.46* 219,270.15* 0.21* 0.57 0.73 96,947.19* 170,451.08*

Error 24 0.05 1.03 5.13 14,367.09 54,164.10 0.05 2.25 3.21 25,351.98 38,785.53


Characters

Sourcedf

Mean Sum of Squares*Germination (%) Seedling length

(cm)Seedling dryweight (mg)

Seed vigour index-I

Seed vigourindex-II

Hydropriming 16 0.76* 25.00* 14.21* 373,499.29* 479,348.86*

Error 51 0.04 1.74 4.10 16,912.08 41,300.68

II

APPENDIX - IIIAnalysis of variance for germination and vigour in okra seeds in storage

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*6 month of Storage 9 months of storage

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength(cm)

Seedling dryweight (mg)

Seed vigourindex-I

Seed vigourindex-II

Germination(%)

Seedlinglength(cm)

Seedling dryweight (mg)

Seed vigourindex-1

Seed vigourindex-II

Hydropriming 1 1.36* 14.81* 26.50* 432,134.00* 1,107,272.59* 1.56* 15.11* 12.57* 418,587.48* 847,116.36*

Polymer coating 3 0.27* 10.46* 2.55 107,248.76* 158,047.49* 0.31* 7.78* 1.48 101,137.39* 137,455.15*

Hydropriing×polymer coating

3 0.23* 1.25 0.56 84,074.19* 149768.80* 0.24* 0.24 0.55 74,252.26* 113254.72*

Error 24 0.06 2.29 5.64 24,641.37 77,442.23 0.05 1.79 1.98 18,050.34 28,313.51


APPENDIX - IV

Analysis of variance for germination and vigour in okra seeds in storage

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*12 months of Storage

Germination (%) Seedling length(cm)

Seedling dry weight(mg)

Seed vigour index-I Seed vigour index-II

Hydropriming 1 1.63* 30.77* 12.29* 538,896.36* 799,713.78*Polymer coating 3 0.32* 6.08* 1.70 100,173.47* 132,739.48*Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 0.24* 0.55 0.14 56,573.15* 113666.33*Error 24 0.05 1.34 2.02 10,461.29 28,416.83*Significant at 5% level of significance

III

APPENDIX - VAnalysis of variance on emergence and growth fresh crop production in okra - Experiment III

Characters

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*Days to 50% emergence Field emergence (%) Plant height 30 DAS (cm)

Replication 3 0.12 0.03 11.16Hydropriming 1 9.03* 0.54* 22.60*Polymer coating 3 8.12* 0.35* 38.19*Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 3.87* 0.11* 0.75Error 21 0.94 0.02 6.21*Significant at 5% level of significance

APPENDIX - VIAnalysis of variance on horticultural characteristics in fresh crop production in okra

Characters

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*Plant height at final

harvest (cm)Days to first

pickingHarvest duration

(days)Fruit length (cm) Fruit diameter (cm)

Replication 3 106.79 3.58 21.50 3.76 0.07Hydropriming 1 581.40* 24.50* 55.51* 8.25* 0.61*Polymer coating 3 321.44* 87.42* 115.77* 7.92* 0.62*Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 211.83* 1.42 50.62* 4.06* 0.02Error 21 36.95 5.35 4.85 1.03 0.06*Significant at 5% level of significance

IV

APPENDIX - VIIAnalysis of variance on fruit yield and contributing characteristics in fresh crop production in okra

Characters

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*Fruit weight (g) Number of fruits

per plantFruit yield per

plant (g)Fruit yield per

plot (kg)Fruit yield per ha (q)

Replication 3 7.25 2.55 92.80 0.08 96.01Hydropriming 1 35.91 40.73* 666.23* 0.83* 925.19*Polymer coating 3 43.37* 36.18* 410.48* 2.27* 2520.57*Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 3.22 10.45* 390.32* 0.46* 601.68*Error 21 8.79 1.80 129.39 0.05 63.08*Significant at 5% level of significance

APPENDIX - VIIIAnalysis of variance on growth and yield characteristics on seed production in okra

Characters

Sourcedf

Mean Sum of Squares*Plant height at final

harvest (cm)Days to ripe fruit

harvestingNumber of ripefruit per plant

Ripe fruit yield perplant (g)

Number of seeds perfruit

Replication 3 41.93 1.71 3.35 42.46 8.11Hydropriming 1 290.40 50.00* 43.87* 1740.37* 49.20*Polymer coating 3 488.42* 98.04* 6.35* 818.69* 173.68*Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 21.36 0.58 5.16* 354.45* 1.80Error 21 102.63 5.09 1.09 54.27 6.97*Significant at 5% level of significance

V

APPENDIX - IXAnalysis of variance on seed yield and contributing characteristics in seed production in okra

Characters

Source df

Mean Sum of Squares*Seed yield per

plant (g)Seed yield per plot

(g)Seed yield per ha (q) Percent seed

recovery100 seed weight (g)

Replication 3 35.31 8975.02 9.97 29.42 0.27Hydropriming 1 748.75* 146884.59* 163.21* 49.17 0.09Polymer coating 3 434.07* 107784.62* 119.76* 58.82 0.49Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 164.91* 34286.57* 44.76* 1.55 0.41Error 21 26.77 4707.01 5.34 22.77 0.14*Significant at 5% level of significance

APPENDIX - XAnalysis of variance on seed quality characters of harvested seeds of okra

Characters

Sourcedf

Mean Sum of Squares*Germination (%) Seedling length

(cm)Seedling dry weight

(mg)Seed vigour

index- ISeed vigour

index- II

Hydropriming 1 0.09 1.76 32.93* 46294.17 512401.18*

Polymer coating 3 0.16* 3.12* 8.93 53720.69* 254753.89*

Hydropriing × polymer coating 3 0.01 0.13 0.73 302.10 10899.01

Error 24 0.03 0.72 3.21 10253.09 32846.22


CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Neha Dhiman

Father’s Name : Sh. Balak Ram

Date of Birth : 23rd November, 1991

Sex : Female

Marital Status : Unmarried

Nationality : Indian

Educational Qualifications:

Certificate/ degree Class/ grade Board/ University Year

Matric First HPBSE 2007

10+2 First HPBSE 2009

B.Sc. Hons. (Horticulture) First Dr YSPUHF, Nauni 2013

Whether sponsored by some state/ : NACentral Govt./Univ./SAARC

Scholarship/ Stipend/ Fellowship, any : University Stipendother financial assistance receivedduring the study period

(Neha Dhiman)

thesis by neha dhiman - semantic scholar...dr yashwant singh parmar university of horticulture and...

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