Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
D Keerthana, R Geetha, K Sujatha and T Sivakumar

Abstract:
Seed dormancy is the resting period or state of inhibited growth of seeds after physiological maturity. It is also an adoption mechanism to overcome stress conditions. The fresh seeds of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentaceae) var. MDU 1 recorded 28% germination immediately after harvest. Hence, freshly harvested seeds were subjected to different dormancy breaking treatments and analyzed for physiological seed quality parameters. Seeds were treated with growth regulators GA₃ and NAA at different concentrations. Acid scarification (dilute H₂SO₄) was attempted independently and in combination with KNO₃ and also with growth regulators and untreated seeds served as control. The results revealed that combined treatment of scarification with dilute sulphuric acid for 10 min followed by KNO₃ @ 3% for 12 h and GA₃ @ 500 ppm for 12 h registered highest germination with vigorous seedling growth.