DOSIS Y TIEMPOS DE IMBIBICIÓN DE PERÓXIDO DE HIDRÓGENO EN LA GERMINACIÓN Y CRECIMIENTO INICIAL DE ALGODÓN (Gossypium barbadense L.)

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Cotton is a crop of great socioeconomic interest in the textile industry in Peru, however, it is sown directly in the field where it presents irregular germination. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate the effect of four doses of hydrogen peroxide and two imbibition times on the germination and initial growth of cotton. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The commercial hydrogen peroxide CP (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> at a concentration of 3 g 100 mL<sup>-1</sup>) was used in the treatments: T0 (control- distilled water), T1 (10% CP), T2 (30% CP), T3 (50% CP), T4 (100% CP) subjected to 6 and 12 h of imbibition. Germination evaluations were made: germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS), germination index (GI), Biometry: seed weight (SW), stem length (ST), number of leaves (NL) and root length (RL). Stem biomass: fresh weight (SFW) and dry weight (SDW), and root biomass: fresh weight (RFW) and dry weight (RDW). <strong>Results:</strong> T3-6 h improved germination variables. T1-6 h improved biometry and biomass variables. SW presented a negative correlation with NL. NL was positively correlated with SDW. SDW was positively correlated with SFW. Also, SFW with RL, RDW and RFW. RL with RDW. RDW with RFW and ST. The RFW with ST. <strong>Implications:</strong> The use of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> increases germination and biomass of cotton seedlings. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> T3-6 h improved germination variables. However, T1-6 h improved biometry and biomass variables.</p>