Important factors affecting seed priming have not been extensively reported in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) studies. The optimization of the seed priming technique becomes very important at the commercial scale. Little information has been reported on seedling development of muskmelon subsequent to seed priming. Seeds of muskmelon were primed in darkness at 25°C in different solutions and three osmotic potentials. Seeds were also primed with and without aeration during different periods. In relation to osmotic solutions, an osmotic potential around -1.30 MPa is most adequate for muskmelon priming. Salt solutions gave better germination rate but were deleterious for seed germination, especially at higher osmotic potentials. Aeration of the soaking salt solution gave faster germination at 17°C, and because of the early germination, these treatments probably presented a better seedling development. Deleterious effect on total seed germination was observed for long soaking periods with aeration. Fungal growth increased on seeds primed in aerated solutions. Seeds from priming treatments had a better germination rate and seedling development under 17 and 25°C.
Cucumis melo; osmoconditioning; stand establishment