Effects of osmo-priming on germination, growth and green pod yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] at Luyengo, Middleveld of Eswatini

Abstract

Okra is a nutritious summer vegetable crop in Eswatini. However, it has slow and uneven germination. Seed pre-sowing treatment through osmo-priming can enhance the germination, growth and yield of okra. Thus, laboratory and field experiments were conducted at Luyengo, Middleveld of Eswatini in 2019/2020 cropping season to determine the effect of osmo-priming on germination, growth and yield of okra. Treatments included priming of seeds with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and unprimed control. Completely randomized design was used for the laboratory experiment and randomized complete block design was used for the field experiment. Results showed significant (p<0.01) effect of seed priming on the germination index, mean germination time and final germination percentage of okra seeds. Significantly the highest germination index (5.2) and final germination percentage (66) were recorded in priming with 15% PEG. Similarly, seeds priming with 15% PEG resulted in significantly the highest number of leaves per plant (12.07), leaf area index (1.49), canopy height (120.9 cm), and number of branches per plant (8.13). Moreover, okra seeds primed in 15% PEG resulted in the highest pod length and total green pod yield (2009.8 kg ha-1). Thus, it can be concluded that seed priming with 15% PEG is the most effective in improving the germination, growth and yield of okra in the study area.

Evaluating the Impact of Various Seed Priming Agents (SPAs) on Germination and Development Parameters of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

“…[226] Mabuza and Tana (2021) found that PEG (10%) was a better priming agent for overall germination and growth characteristics in okra varieties, which supports similar results. Similarly, seed priming with fresh water leads to substantial increases in the shoot and root length of seedlings, as reported by Tania et al (2020).…”

“…To promote healthy seedlings that are resistant to environmental stress, multiple pre-sowing treatments with priming chemicals are often used in okra to enhance germination, seedling development, and Vigor (Khaing et al, 2020). Research conducted by Mabuza and Tana (2021) found that seeds primed with different concentrations of PEG solution exhibited significant changes in germination characteristics. The study showed that higher concentrations of PEG solution resulted in better germination outcomes, including germination percentage, germination rate, and seed Vigor, compared to other concentrations tested.…”

“…Our results are similar, based on the interaction between two okra varieties and various priming procedures. Mabuza and Tana (2021) reported that seeds primed with water for 24 h yielded 86.0% germination. Our findings indicate that the outcome was greater than the 76% result of the control group.…”

“…Polyethylene glycol may improve water absorption, reduce osmotic stress, and encourage ideal hydration conditions for seeds, potentially leading to better overall performance. Priming agents can significantly improve the plant height, root length, and fresh and dried weight of okra seedlings (Mabuza and Tana, 2021). Various studies have shown a positive impact of different priming agents on the growth of early seedlings.…”