Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Komal M Bera, Nitesh N Prajapati and Nehanshi S Bamaniya

Abstract:
Chickpea botanically (Cicer arietinum L.) a member of fabaceae family, which is a self-pollinated crop. The present investigation entitled “Effect of seed priming on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” was carried out during the year 2020-21. The laboretory experiment was conducted in Bioscience Research Centre, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during 2020, while field experiment was conducted at Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, during rabi season 2020-2021, to find out the best priming method for both chickpea varieties GJG-3 and KAK-2 (Desi & Kabuli). Eight seed priming treatments with different chemicals viz., T₁ (no-treated seed), T₂ (Hydro-priming) for 12 hrs, T₃ (PEG 5%) for 12 hrs, T₄ (PEG 10%) for 12 hrs, T₅ (PEG 15%) for 12 hrs, T₆ (AMT 0.25%) for 12 hrs, AMT (0.50%) (T₇) for 12 hrs and AMT (0.75%) (T₈) for 12 hrs. It was found that, seed primed with Hydro-priming, AMT 0.25%, PEG 10% for 12 hrs was best treatment which enhanced the seed quality parameters and seed yield attributes viz. germination percentage, shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight of seedling (mg), dry weight of seedling (mg), mean seedling length (cm), seedling vigour index-I and II, mean emergence time, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, 100-seed weight and protein content. This study helps to improve the seedling character, growth and seed yield with the help of seed priming treatments which are effective, economic, non-toxic and eco-friendly sources.