EFFECTS OF N-FORM AND SALINE PRIMING ON GERMINATION AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF GALIA-TYPE MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L. CV. PRIMAL) UNDER SALINITY

Seed priming has become a common strategy for seed treatment which increases rate, percentage and uniformity of germination or emergence, especially under unfavourable environmental conditions.
The most frequently used seed priming techniques involve polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium chloride (NaCl), or potassium nitrate (KNO₃). However, for the emergence or growth in conditions of high salinity it becomes necessary to improve on these techniques.
Seeds of muskmelon were primed in darkness at 25 °C for four days, in solutions with 150 mM of different N-form salts (NH₄NO₃; KNO₃; (NH₄)2SO₄) and NaCl. Seeds were then rinsed and dried at 25 °C, and finally germinated in three levels of salinity (0.5; 2.5 and 5.0 dS m^-1) for 38 hours.
Germination and growth of the protused radicle were monitored each hour to determine the Germination Index (GI) and rates of germination and growth.
All salt solutions except (NH₄)₂SO₄) resulted in an improved germination rate, radicle growth and Germination Index.
Seeds primed with NH₄NO₃ and KNO₃ had greater resistance to higher salinity levels in germination solution, while better GI and rates of germination and growth compared to the control; (NH₄)₂SO4 and NaCl primed treatments.
Detrimental effect on total seed germination was observed only on (NH₄)₂SO₄ primed seeds.

VII International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Production, Pest Management and Global Competition

M. Guzmán, J. Olave

Cucumis melo, priming, salinity, germination

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.659.32