Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Germination, Growth and Yield of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.)

Aim: To discern the most effective seed priming treatment among several priming treatments, which provide early and maximum germination, prosperous growth, and prodigious yield.

Study Design: Nine treatments with one control treatment in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Chilli and Vegetable Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M.S), during the rabi season of 2022.

Methodology: The ajwain seeds were primed with treatments comprised of, Gibberellic acid at 100 ppm and 200 ppm, Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) at 2% and 3%, moringa leaf extract at 5% and 7.5%, tulsi leaf extract at 5% and 7.5%, hydro-priming (soaking in water), control (without soaking), for 24 hours before sowing. After that, primed seeds shade-dried for 4-5 hours. Then, the seeds were sown in the field.

Results: The outcomes unveiled fascinating insights. Notably, treating the seeds with 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) revealed remarkable results, exhibiting the swiftest germination at 11.67 days, a staggering initial plant stand of 99.38%, and an impressive germination percentage of 93.33%. Meanwhile, the utilization of 200 ppm GA3 led to a maximum plant height of 89.70 cm. Furthermore, the application of 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) observed the minimum days to 50% flowering at 92.98 days and days to harvesting at 156.17 days and boasting the maximum primary branches plant-1 at 11.55. Among the myriad treatments, the application of 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) emerged as a standout, showcasing unparalleled results with a maximum number of umbels and umbellets at 200.72 and 18.03, respectively. A prodigious yield of 10.49g plant-1, 2.67 kg plot-1 and 11.86q ha-1.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the potency of specific seed priming treatments, particularly, the 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) and 200 ppm Gibberellic acid (T2), in fostering robust ajwain seed germination, growth, accelerated plant development, and prodigious yield.