Effect of Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum L. Maton) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO₃ (0.2%), GA₃ (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of these factors was arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Different parameters were measured, including seed germination percentage, germination index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, as well as root volume. Notably, the main effect of the priming solution had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the aforesaid germination and seedling growth attributes. However, the main effect of soaking duration and their interaction with priming solutions did not exhibit a significant effect (P>0.05). Among the priming solutions, the application of cow urine at a 10% concentration exhibited a significant effect on the seed germination and subsequent growth of the cardamom seedlings. Advantageous results of seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed from cardamom seeds primed with the same solution. Accordingly, the growers and seedling producers in the study area are advised to apply a 10% cow urine priming solution before sowing cardamom seeds for enhanced germination and seedling growth.