Effect of plant growth regulators and nitrogenous compounds on seed germination of pepper (Capsicum frutescens L)

Abstract

The seed germination of Capsicum frutescens L. was investigated through various methods, namely, washing and air dry storage treatments, applications of gibberelic acid (GA₃), Kinetin, potassium nitrite (KNO₂) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) to improve germination of seeds in view of poor germination reported. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments namely washing to remove the slimy coverings; air-drying at various time-intervals; incubated in different concentrations of GA₃, Kinetin, KNO₂ and KNO₃. The treatments were subjected to light or dark germinations at 30⁰C and radicle emergence scored after 15days. The various results showed that washing treatment, and light germination had a significant effect on the germination of Capsicum frutescens seeds. For air-drying treatment, germination increased from 0-48hrs and decreased after 72hrs, 48hrs air-drying duration gave the highest percentage germination. Application of GA₃, kinetin, KNO₂ and KNO₃ in low concentrations promoted the germination of freshly harvested Capsicum frutescens seeds. Generally the KNO₂ and KNO₃ gave the best germination results. The findings of this study have significant implications in the commercial production of Capsicum frutescens in view of its economic and medicinal importance.

Keywords: Growth regulators, Nitrogenous compounds, Capsicum frutescens