Hydro-priming and halo-priming improve seed germination, yield and yield contributing characters of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

: Seed priming is a pre-sowing treatment which enables the seed to germinate more efficiently and improves seedling vigor as well as yield. Hydro-priming is an important seed treatment technique for rapid seed germination and pre-sowing of seeds with halo-priming is also known as an effective tool. Therefore, a study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of different priming sources with various durations on okra seeds germination and development. Two varieties of okra viz. BARI Dheros 2 (V 1 ) and Green finger okra (V 2 ) having four treatments (T 1 , non-primed seeds; T 2 , seed soaking with normal tap water ± 25ºC for 12 hr; T 3 , priming with hot water 50ºC for 5 min; T 4 , priming of seeds with 3% NaCl for 12 hr) were investigated in a completely randomized design (CRD), each treatment being replicated three times. Results of the study showed that maximum seed germination percentage (92.79%), seed vigor index (1019 cm), first flowering days, days to harvesting maturity, 1000 seeds weight, and total number of fruits per plant (29.5) were observed when the seeds primed by hot water 50 º C for 5 min. In this study, seed germination and all other parameters were also increased by normal water and halo-priming (3% NaCl). Our results showed that hydro-priming (with hot water) were found superior to hydro-priming (with normal water) and halo-priming (3% NaCl). Both priming influenced performance of two varieties, though green finger variety showed slightly better performance in almost all the parameters over the variety BARI Dheros 2. Our results suggest that hydro-priming and halo-priming can improve okra seed germination as well as okra production