Evaluating the Efficacy of Organic and Inorganic Seed Priming Methods in Promoting Cucumber Germination and Growth

Abstract

Seed priming is a promising pre-sowing physiological treatment that utilizes a high osmotic potential solution and stores reserves in seed material to enhance germination. This study is aimed to investigate the influence of different seed priming methods in the germination and early seedling stages of cucumber. A completely random design (CRD) was used for the experiment, including six priming treatments, i.e., T1 (control), T2 (hydropriming), T3 (halopriming 0.5% NaCl), T4 (osmopriming 0.5% PEG), T5 (buffalo milk), and lastly T6 (cow urine). There was a significant effect of seed priming; the highest water imbibition was observed on halopriming (53.71%) and buffalo milk (53.53%); however, the highest germination percentage was observed in cow urine (93.75%), with the least mean germination time (3.65). The highest seedling length, root lengths, and shoot length were also observed on cow urine priming. The dry weight and moisture content were also observed to be highest in cow urine priming. Different priming techniques significantly impact cucumber seed germination and growth. Cow urine priming is the most effective, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly pre-sowing method for cucumber seedlings, benefiting farmers and promoting better germination without harming the environment.