Seed Invigoration with Paclobutrazol Improves Seedling Growth, Physiological, Biochemical Attributes and Fruit Yield in Okra

The production of okra is affected by improper seedling growth and abiotic factors like temperature and soil. This study was aimed to examine the effect of paclobutrazol (PBZ) seed priming on the growth, seedling vigor and yield of okra. A pot experiment was conducted in completely randomized design under natural conditions and seeds of two okra varieties were soaked in 0, 4, 8, 10 and 20 mg L-1 of PBZ solution. Results showed that PBZ seed soaking affected the germination rate and maximum reduction in germination rate was observed at 20 mg L-1 of PBZ. A gradual decrease in plant height was recorded in PBZ treated plants as compared to control. A decrease in plant height of PBZ treated plants was accompanied with an increase in plant biomass and number of branches. PBZ seed soaking resulted in darker green leaves with higher chlorophyll, protein and total free amino acid contents than control plants. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase was also higher in PBZ treated plants. The improvement in all vegetative and physiological parameters ultimately had a positive effect on yield. PBZ treated plants showed an increase in the number of pods and pod length while seed weight remained unaffected. Thus, seed priming with optimum doses of PBZ could improve the seedlings and yield of okra. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers