Invigoration treatment on seed quality of okra

Abstract

Abstract : Experiments on pre-sowing invigoration treatment on okra seed with three chemicals viz., thiourea, hydrogen peroxide (H202), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different levels was conducted to evaluate their efficacy on improving seed quality of the crop. Okra seed variety BARI Derosh-lwas treated with thiourea at concentrations of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% for 24 h and H,02 at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% for 6 h and PEG at 20.0%, 25.0% and 30.0% for 24 h. Germination, vigor index, and field emergence were increased due to pre-soaking of okra seed with all the three chemicals. Germination of seed, vigor index and field emergence were increased by 4.92-19.67%, 14.33-93.98% and 11.53-34.61%,respectively, with the three treatments. Among different treatments, better germination, vigor index and field emergence were obtained with 30.0 and 20.0% PEG and 2.0% H202 solution. Pre-soaking of the seed with PEG at 30.0% increased the germination, vigor index and field emergence by 19.67, 87.18, and 34.61%, while at 20% by 18.03, 74.02, and 30.77%, and those increased by 16.39, 93.98 and 30.77% with 2.0% H202, respectively. It is concluded that seed quality parameters, such as germination, vigor index and field emergence of okra were improved substantially due to invigoration treatment with thiourea, H202 and PEG.