Evaluation of seed storability and pre-sowing treatments to enhance germination and seedling performance in cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) is one of the valuable spice crops in India used for food and flavouring industries belonging to the family Lauraceae. It is commonly propagated by seeds; however, seeds are recalcitrant and lose their viability quickly. This study evaluated the seed storability effect of several pre-sowing treatments on germination and seedling growth parameters of cinnamon. Ten treatments, including cold water soaking, hot water treatment, gibberellic acid (GA3) at two concentrations (200 ppm and 400 ppm), mycorrhiza, wood ash, cow urine, cow dung slurry, mud ball preparation and an untreated control, were assessed. Among the various treatments imposed, the application of wood ash resulted in the highest germination percentage (52.00 %) of stored seeds. Pre-sowing seed treatment with GA3 at 400 ppm recorded the highest rate of germination (2.86), took the least number of days for initiation of germination (14.33), 50 % germination (17.50) and final germination (35.00), highest shoot length (14.38 cm), root length (6.59 cm), seedling vigour index (929.60), fresh weight of shoot (441.00 mg), fresh weight of root (135.00 mg), dry weight of shoot (157.00 mg), dry weight of root (28.00 mg) and root to shoot ratio (0.18). The findings demonstrate pre-sowing seed treatment with wood ash improved germination percentage in stored seeds and GA3 (400 ppm) markedly enhanced germination and seedling establishment in cinnamon. These seed priming procedures could help create a mass multiplication approach for farmers with limited resources.