Disclaimer
This article “Effect of Primed and Un-Primed Seeds on Germination, Growth Performance and Yield in Okra [Abelmoscus esculentus (L.) Moench]” is a publicly available summary created for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on the research study cited below, and all credit for the original work belongs to the respective author(s) and publisher(s). The summary is an independent interpretation, drafted with the assistance of AI to help condense and clarify the content, and does not represent the views of the original authors or their affiliated institutions. The AI-generated content is intended solely for educational use and does not alter the ownership, accuracy, or integrity of the original work.
Citation
Adhikari, A., & Shrestha, A. (2020). Effect of primed and un-primed seeds on germination, growth performance and yield in okra [Abelmoscus esculentus (L.) Moench]. Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, 8(8), 1686-1691.
Overview
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the most widely known dicotyledonous plants and utilized species of the family Malvaceae which is a tropical vegetable crop that grows up to 1.0-2.1 meters tall. Different strategies related to improve the growth and development of plants have been investigated from many years. Among these, seed priming is universally used innovative technique to improve quality of seeds. The priming process gives the seed a “head-start” at germination and emergence when planted in the soil. The main purpose of the study was to test different priming techniques in okra seeds before sowing and analyze them in terms of growth performance and yield of plants. At the end of study, the best technique found was planned to be recommended to the farmers.
Research Objectives
To evaluate the effects of different seed priming techniques on the germination, growth, and yield of okra (Arka Anamika variety).
Methodology
The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of several seed priming treatments on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, variety Arka Anamika) at the Research Field of Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan, Nepal. Five treatments were used: a) chemopriming with liquid urea, b) halo priming with NaCl solution, c) hormonal priming with IBA, d) hydro priming with fresh tap water, and e) an unprimed control. All priming treatments involved soaking the seeds for a full day, while the control group was seeded without priming.
A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in the field experiment, with 20 plots total and four replications for each treatment. With 1.8 m x 2 m (3.6 m²) plots, 50 cm row spacing, and 30 cm plant spacing, each plot could support 246 plants. The entire experimental area was 10.7 m × 14 m, and sowing took place on April 16, 2019. Priming impacts on germination, growth, and yield characteristics under field settings were systematically compared thanks to the design.
Key findings
- Germination Percentage:
Hydro and hormonal seed priming significantly improved okra germination, with rates of 84.38% and 82.29%, respectively, while chemo priming showed no improvement. Priming likely enhanced germination by triggering biochemical changes such as dormancy breakage and enzyme activation.
b. Mean Germination Time (MGT):
Hormonal priming significantly reduced mean germination time in okra to 9.34 days, compared to 12.59 days in unprimed seeds. Seed priming accelerates germination by activating hydrolytic enzymes and completing pre-germination processes, leading to faster and more uniform emergence.
c. Plant Height:
Seed priming significantly increased okra plant height at all stages (25-70 DAS), with hormonal priming producing the tallest plants and unprimed seeds the shortest. The improvement is attributed to faster emergence and earlier growth in primed seeds, allowing plants to achieve greater height.
d. Number of Leaves Per Plant:
Seed priming significantly increased the number of leaves in okra at all growth stages (25-70 DAS), with hormonal priming producing the most leaves and unprimed seeds the least. This improvement is linked to faster emergence and enhanced seedling vigor in primed seeds.
e. Plant Canopy Per Plant:
Seed priming significantly increased okra plant canopy at all growth stages (25-70 DAS), with hormonal priming producing the largest canopy and unprimed seeds the smallest. The improvement is attributed to earlier emergence and faster growth of primed seeds, resulting in more developed leaf canopies.
f. Number of Branches Per Plant:
Seed priming significantly increased the number of branches in okra at 40-70 DAS, with hormonal priming producing the most branches and unprimed seeds the least. The increase is attributed to earlier emergence and faster vegetative growth in primed seeds.
g. Fruit Length:
Seed priming significantly increased okra fruit length (P<0.001), with hormonal priming producing the longest fruits (19.46 cm) and unprimed seeds the shortest (17.36 cm). The increase is attributed to better vegetative growth and greater accumulation of dry matter in primed plants.
h. Fruit Diameter:
Seed priming significantly increased okra fruit diameter (P<0.001). Hormonal priming produced the largest fruits (20.24 mm), followed closely by chemo priming (20.09 mm), while unprimed seeds had the smallest diameter (18.09 mm
- Fruit Yield:
Seed priming significantly increased okra fruit yield (P<0.001), with hormonal priming producing the highest yield (17.74 ton ha⁻¹). Primed seeds, especially hormonal and hydro priming, enhanced germination, early emergence, and plant growth, resulting in higher fruit number, fruit weight, and overall yield compared to unprimed seeds.
Implications:
Seed priming is an effective and practical technique to enhance okra production. Hydro and hormonal priming improved germination, reduced mean germination time, and promoted vigorous early growth, leading to taller plants, larger canopy, more branches and leaves, and higher fruit length, diameter, and yield. Adopting seed priming can help farmers achieve uniform crop establishment, overcome slow and uneven germination, and increase overall productivity without additional inputs.
Commentary:
The results highlight that early seed-stage interventions can have a significant impact on crop performance. Hormonal priming was the most effective treatment in this study, though hydro priming also provides a cost-effective alternative. These findings underscore the importance of integrating simple, low-cost agronomic practices like seed priming to improve growth efficiency and yield in okra cultivation, supporting both smallholder farmers and commercial production systems.
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