HYDRO-PRIMING DURATIONS IMPROVE THE GERMINATION AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS VAR. SABZ PARI).

The quality production of vegetable crops heavily reliant on faster and consistent germination of seeds. Due to harder seed coat, the seed germination and uniform seedling establishment in the field is always a problem in okra. Hydro-priming is one of the ideal, cheapest and environmentally friendly strategies to enhance the germination process of okra. The field trial was therefore designed in Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan during 2022 to test the influence of seed hydro-priming durations on seed germination and vegetative growth of okra. The single factor randomized complete block design with three replications was followed to perform the trial. The seeds of Sabz pari, one of the most popular and widely grown varieties of the country were primed by applying six hydro-priming durations (viz; P1; Control, P₂: 12 hours, P3: 18 hours, P₄: 24 hours, P₅: 36 hours, and P₆: 48 hours). Signification variation was found in most of the traits with the application of hydro-priming durations. The hydro-priming duration (48 hours) showed maximum water uptake and seed germination whereas, unprimed seed (control) recorded lower water uptake and germination. Likewise, tallest plants with maximum vigour with respect to seedling vigour index was recorded in 48 hours hydro-priming duration followed by 36 hours hydro-priming duration whereas smallest plant with less vigour was observed in control. The 48 hours priming duration also showed positive effect on leaf and root growth and development. Thus it is suggested that 48 hours seed hydro-priming duration may be practiced to enhance the germination and better vegetative growth of okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]