The Effect of Nutri-Priming in Revolutionising Germination and Seedling Vigour in Green gram: Unleashing Seed Power

Seed priming had a distinct, concentration-dependent effect on the germination and early growth of green gram (Vigna radiata L., cv. Samrat). Nutri-priming solutions were prepared using digested banana stems at concentrations of 0.00 mL (T1), 0.25 mL (T2), 0.50 mL (T3), 1.00 mL (T4), 2.00 mL (T5), 3.00 mL (T6), and 4.00 mL (T7), diluted in 15 mL of distilled water. The control (T1) had only 15 mL of distilled water. Moderate priming doses significantly improved several germination traits, including germination potential, germination energy, germination index, and average germination time. Among all treatments, T4 (1.00 mL) consistently delivered the best results, exhibiting the highest germination potential (87.22%), maximum germination energy (86.32%), the quickest germination rate (T₅₀ = 1.512 days), and the shortest mean germination time. Treatments T3 (0.50 mL) and T5 (2.00 mL) also enhanced germination compared to the control, whereas higher concentrations (T6 and T7) suppressed germination, indicating that excessive priming disrupts normal metabolic processes. Measurements of seedling growth emphasised the benefits of optimal priming levels. T4 (1.00 mL) produced the tallest seedlings (31.20 cm) and the greatest fresh biomass, while T3 (0.50 mL) generated the highest dry matter and achieved the greatest Vigour Index II, demonstrating improved seedling strength. The Vigour Index I was also highest in T4 (2721.16), indicating strong early growth potential. In contrast, high priming concentrations (T6 and T7) reduced seedling height, biomass, and vigour indices, indicating that over-priming causes physiological stress that impedes early development. In summary, moderate seed priming, especially at 0.50 mL and 1.00 mL, significantly improves germination performance, seedling vigour, and biomass formation, whereas excessive priming has a negative impact on both germination and growth. Appropriate T4 priming levels (1.00 mL) promote uniform metabolic activation, balanced root-shoot development, and improved early seedling establishment in green gram