Effect of plant growth regulators and nitrogenous compounds on seed germination of pepper (<i>Capsicum frutescens</i> L)

Abstract

The seed germination of Capsicum frutescens L. was investigated through various methods, namely, washing and air dry storage treatments, applications of gibberelic acid (GA₃), Kinetin, potassium nitrite (KNO₂) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) to improve germination of seeds in view of poor germination reported. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments namely washing to remove the slimy coverings; air-drying at various time-intervals; incubated in different concentrations of GA₃, Kinetin, KNO₂ and KNO₃. The treatments were subjected to light or dark germinations at 30⁰C and radicle emergence scored after 15days. The various results showed that washing treatment, and light germination had a significant effect on the germination of Capsicum frutescens seeds. For air-drying treatment, germination increased from 0-48hrs and decreased after 72hrs, 48hrs air-drying duration gave the highest percentage germination. Application of GA₃, kinetin, KNO₂ and KNO₃ in low concentrations promoted the germination of freshly harvested Capsicum frutescens seeds. Generally the KNO₂ and KNO₃ gave the best germination results. The findings of this study have significant implications in the commercial production of Capsicum frutescens in view of its economic and medicinal importance.

Keywords: Growth regulators, Nitrogenous compounds, Capsicum frutescens