Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part I (2024)

Abstract: Chilli seeds of two varieties, namely G₄ and Surajmukhi, were primed in various concentrations of GA₃ (1 ppm), KNO₃ (5%), Na2HPO4 (2%), PEG (10%), ZnSO₄ (1%), Ascorbic Acid (50 ppm), and Deionized H₂O for 24 hours. Following priming, germination tests were carried out between the paper, on top of the paper, and by the sand method. All priming treatments significantly improved germination performances (germination percentage and spread of germination), root length, shoot length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-I, and seedling vigor index-II. All the priming agents showed a significant effect in increasing germination percent. In G₄ 8 & Surajmukhi variety, the germination percentage was increased by 36.66% and 53.32% respectively. Root length increased by 6.01 cm in G₄ and 5.04 cm in the Surajmukhi variety, and shoot length increased by 0.9 cm and 0.7 cm, respectively. Like germination percent, root length, and shoot length, the priming agent had a positive effect in the case of seedling dry weight. In G₄ and Surajmukhi, dry weight increased by 7 and 12.4 mg, respectively.