Standardization of Priming Method and Media for Enhancing the Seedling Growth, Vigor, Germination Parameters in Papaya Variety CO8

Background: Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is widely recognized for its nutritional and dietary benefits across the globe. The somatic chromosome number is 18. Papaya is a widely cultivated fruit with significant nutritional and medicinal value. Papaya is a tropical fruit characterized by its lozenge shape and vibrant coloration, ranging from orange red and yellow-green to yellow-orange hues, with a rich orange pulp. It also contains numerous biologically active compounds, including chymopapain and papain. Papain, in particular, plays a crucial role in aiding the digestive system and has been utilized in the treatment of arthritis. Papaya fruits can be cooked as vegetables and consumed either ripe or unripe. The ripe fresh fruits are used to manufacture soft drinks, ice cream flavors, jam, syrup, and crystallized fruits. The dried latex of unripe fruits is used to make papain, an enzyme utilized in meat tenderizing treatments. Methodology: The experiment was conducted at the nursery, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore during 2024 to study the effect of eleven treatment viz, Control, Water soaking, Coconut water (50%), Coconut water (100%), Kinetin 25ppm, Kinetin 50ppm, GA3 100ppm, GA3 200ppm, Salicylic acid 1Mm, Vermiwash 50%, Humic acid 1% for 24 hours. This experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications in pots. Results: Among all the treatments, kinetin 25 ppm (P5) for 24 hours showed positive significant influence on seed germination, seedling growth parameters. Whereas, the lowest was recorded in control (P1) without priming. Similarly, combination of kinetin 25ppm and media supplemented with trichoderma was found to be the best for improving seedling vigor and germination of papaya seedlings. Conclusion: Kinetin 25ppm treatment for 24 hours significantly enhanced seed germination and seedling growth parameters in papaya, especially when combined with trichoderma-supplemented media. The control treatment showed the lowest germination and seedling vigor.