Effect of hydro and osmo priming on the physiological qualities of stored cotton seed (<i>Gossypium spp</i>. L.)

Abstract

Planted seeds require the highest probability of survival and plants need to grow as efficiently as possible to help support improved productivity to meet the increasing demands of society for both food and fiber. However, poor seed germination in field is a major challenge to cotton farmers in the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the physiological qualities (germination and vigour) of the Nigerian cotton varieties with a view to determine the most efficient cotton seed priming treatment method for the farmers. Six (6) IAR commercial cotton varieties (SAMCOT 8,9,10, 11, 12, and 13) and treatments (polyethylene glycol 6000 20% solution, hot water and a control) were studied in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with two replications. Eight parameters were considered for data collection viz germination percentage, percentage of first count, germination rate, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, and seedling dry weight. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The best variety with highest first count germination, total germination and germination index was SAMCOT 8 under 20 hours treatment with polyethylene glycol 20% solution followed by SAMCOT 11. Soaking seeds in hot water for 30 seconds gave the highest first count germination. The Control had the least total germination and germination index. It could therefore be concluded that application of PEG 6000 20% solution for 20 hours is effective for SAMCOT 8 and 10 while PEG treatment for 15 hours is better for SAMCOT 13.