Vol. 9, Issue 11, Part D (2025)

The present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of chemical and organic seed priming agents on germination and seedling growth attributes of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Phule Sharbati” was conducted during 2024-2025 at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, under shade-net conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 13 treatments, including chemical, organic and bio-priming agents. Results revealed significant differences among treatments for germination and growth parameters. Seed priming with GA₃ @ 120 ppm for 12 hours (T₂) recorded the earliest germination (16.33 days), 50% germination (20.41 days), maximum germination percentage (87.83%), maximum number of polyembryonic seedlings per seed (2.67), highest seedling height (24.23 cm), seedling diameter (3.08 mm), number of leaves (22.63), leaf area (10.27 cm²), highest vigour index-I and II (4269.42 and 309.16, respectively,) and survival percentage (85.83%). It also showed superior root development with root parameters, the fresh and dry weight of shoot (4.38 g and 2.04 g, respectively), length of tap root (24.38 cm), tap root diameter (3.32 mm), number of secondary and fibrous roots (9.72 and 102.55, respectively), fresh and dry weight of root (2.58 g and 1.48 g, respectively) at 120 DAS were also noted maximum under the same treatment (T₂). Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (T₄), cow urine 50% (T₆) and PSB 10% (T₁₀) also enhanced germination and seedling vigour compared to control. The economic analysis indicated that GA₃ @ 120 ppm yielded the highest benefit-cost ratio (4.82), followed by GA₃ @ 100 ppm (4.61). Thus, GA₃ @ 120 ppm for 12 hours proved most effective and profitable for improving germination, growth and economic efficiency of acid lime seedlings, with organic and bio-priming agents serving as viable eco-friendly alternatives.