Eggplant seed germination can be erratic or completely inhibited by relatively low temperatures. Seed priming has been used to increase germination rate and seedling uniformity, mainly under unfavorable environmental conditions. Eggplant seeds, cv. Ciça, were primed for periods of 24 to 96 hours at either 15 or 20°C in aerated solution of KNO3 (0.3M) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) (30%). Seeds were incubated in a germination chamber at 15 and 25°C. Primary root protrusion was scored daily. Low temperatures affected germination percentage and germination rate. Primed seeds showed higher germination compared to unprimed seeds, especially at low temperatures. Seeds primed in KNO3 solution showed better performance than seeds primed in PEG solution. Priming temperature did not affect germination percentage and periods of 48 hours in KNO3 solution improved germination at low temperatures. Priming may be used to improve seed germination performance of eggplant seed especially under low temperatures.
Solanum melongena; seedling establishment; thermoinhibition
