PRE-TREATMENTS TO IMPROVE GERMINATION IN SOLANUM VIARUM DUNAL

Abstract

Seeds of Solanum viarum exhibits dormancy/hardseededness and thus complicates
the recording of exact germination which is prerequisite for long term storage
, in the gene bank. In the present study, the initial germination percentage of
seeds varied from 22% to 30% in Solanum viarum (var. Arka sanjeevam).
Pronounced effects of seed pretreatment with sulphuric acid and gibberelic acid
on germination have been reported by the authors. The best treatments worked
out was over-night soaking in GA3 (500 ppm) and acid scarification with sulphuric
acid (25%) for one hour. These treatments not only increased the germination
percentage but also reduced the mean germination time significantly under
laboratory conditions