Pre-sowing treatments and soaking duration on physiological potential seed germination of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. smooth green)

Abstract

Okra exhibits an impermeable coat making it difficult for water penetration; hence this study was carried out in two separate experiments to evaluate the effects of different pre-sowing seed treatments and soaking durations on physiological potential seed germination of okra. Pre-sowing treatments: Water (control), 100 ppm GA3, 100 ppm carrageenan (Vital Gro), and 100 ppm fermented plant juice (FPJ); Experiment 2 on soaking durations: (no soaking, 18 h, 24 h). Soaking okra seeds for 18 h and 24 h showed comparable mean germination rate and mean germination time. However, 24 h seed soaking showed better coefficient velocity of germination (CVG) and germination index (GI), thus resulting to early germination. In terms of pre-sowing treatment, 100 ppm Carrageenan showed significant results on germination percentage, CVG, GI and vigor index. Whereas, using 100 ppm FPJ derived from banana stem as soaking solution was detrimental to okra seed germination.