Priming seeds with potassium nitrate is associated with modulation of seed germination and seedling growth ecology of cucumis metuliferus

Abstract

The horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is mostly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, where it thrives on deep to shallow, well-drained soils. Seed dormancy, which causes poor and delayed germination, has remained a problem for farmers in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, who have begun producing horned melon. Midlands State University conducted a laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of potassium nitrate on seed germination and early seedling growth of horned melon. The experiment was set up in a Completely Random Design (CRD) with seven different potassium nitrate (KNO3) concentrations (0 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2.0 %, 2.5 %, and 3.0 %), each duplicated three times. The data was analyzed using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Genstat 18th edition. The characteristics of germination and early seedling development were assessed. All germination and early seedling development characteristics were significantly affected by potassium nitrate. Germination %, mean germination rate, germination index, mean daily germination percent, synchronization of germination, peak value for germination, and germination value all had a significant influence. Potassium nitrate had a significant influence on mean germination time and time to 50 % germination, with the lowest values obtained on seeds primed with 3 % KNO3. There was a significant difference in seedling height, root length, seedling length, fresh biomass, and dry weight between seeds primed with 2.5 % KNO3 and seeds not primed with 2.5 % KNO3. Farmers are advised to use 2.5 % KNO3 concentration for seed priming for optimal germination and early plant development of horned melon