Effect of seed priming in squash on germination and seedling vigor

Seed priming improves germination and seedling vigor of the different crops, including squash. A study on the priming methods using hydropriming and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 25 and 50 ppm) on squash was conducted. Untreated seeds were served as a control. The treated seeds were primed for 4 h and dried until the seeds reached the original moisture content. Ambient conditions (30 ± 2 °C temperature, 65 ± 5% relative humidity) were used to conduct the study for 8 days. Priming significantly enhanced the growth of squash seeds, especially using GA3 at 25 ppm. At this concentration displayed a higher germination index and shortened the mean germination time. Likewise, it had a longer seedling and a heavier seedling, thus a higher seedling vigor index. GA3-primed seed at 25 ppm produced a greater SPAD index than unprimed, 50 ppm GA3, and hydropriming. Vigorous seedlings were attained using 25 ppm and an inhibitory effect was observed beyond this concentration. Thus, 25 ppm GA3 can be used by farmers to produce vigorous seedlings.