Vol. 10, Issue 4 (2021)

Author(s):
Nikshita R Patel, YN Tandel and Sejal B Patel

Abstract:
The sapota seed is difficult to germinate in compare to other fruit crops due to the hard seed coat so with a view to study was conducted under agri-shade net house at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat). The effect of seed scarification (without and with scarification) and priming treatments (GA₃ 200 ppm, thiourea 1%, cow urine 10%, cow dung slurry, potassium nitrate 2% and water soaking for 24 hours) on seedling growth, survival and vigour index were evaluated and data were analysed by using completely randomized design with factorial concept with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. The study showed that the maximum growth parameters viz., number of leaves, seedling height and stem diameter at 5, 7 and 9 MAS; biomass of seedlings viz., fresh and dry weight of shoot and root at 9 MAS; survival percentage and seedling vigour index Ⅰ and Ⅱ with minimum mortality were recorded in those seeds sown without scarification as compared to scarified seeds. Out of seed priming treatments, cow dung slurry was found to be superior for all above attributes which was at par with cow urine 10% and GA₃ 200 ppm. Owing to the results obtained during study, it is inferred that the sapota seeds be sown without scarification or else sown after soaking in cow dung slurry or cow urine for 24 hrs to get higher growth, survival and vigour index of sapota seedlings.