Effect of pre-sowing treatment on seed germination and seedling vigour in endive and chicory

Abstract

The influence of pre-sowing treatments using hydropriming, osmopriming and halopriming in laboratory and/or nursery tests on seedling emergence, seedling weight and plant growth of endive and chicory was examined. Halopriming (KNO3) or growth regulators (gibberelic acid; GA3) improved the rate of germination of endive and chicory and reduced the mean germination time needed. 30 min pre-sowing treatment with NaHClO3, methyl jasmonate and dictamus essential oil decreased seed germination as well as seed radicle length in vitro. In the nursery tests, pre-sowing treatments had in some extent impact on the upper part (fresh weight) of the seedling, while no major changes were observed for leaf number and root fresh weight. 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or NaHClO3 treatment reduced plant growth of both species. The present study suggests that KNO3 and secondly GA3 treatments may improve rapid and uniform seedling emergence and plant development in nurseries and/or in greenhouses, which is easily applicable by nursery workers with economic profits.