The effects of seed
priming on seedling development of
muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) under laboratory and
greenhouse conditions were studied. 
Seeds of 'Top Net, SR'
melon were primed for 6 days in darkness at 77 ºF (25ºC) in KNO3 (0.35 m) aerated solution. |
After germination in petri dishes at 77 ºF, primed
and nonprimed seeds were transferred to either paper towels (laboratory study) or trays, which were placed in
greenhouse conditions.
Leaf area and fresh and dry mass of roots and shoots were measured at 15 and 30 days. |
In germination under laboratory
conditions, primed seeds germinated about 16 and 60 hours earlier than nonprimed seeds at 77 ºF and 63 ºF (17 ºC), respectively. Priming caused no
beneficial effect on shoot and root development
either in laboratory conditions or during
transplant production in the greenhouse.
Priming Jan 00-1
|
