The Effect of Organic Priming with Marigold Herbal Tea on Seeds Quality in Aji Pepper (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum Willd.)

Abstract

The influence of priming (KNO₃, Patula and Erecta) on the germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, seedling emergence, mean emergence time, seedling weight and emergence index investigated in which harvested during five different developmental stages (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5) of C. baccatum var pendulum pepper seeds. The seeds were harvested at various stages of development based on fruit skin colour. The results revealed that physiologically mature seeds (after D3 stage) showed higher seed quality and performance. The greatest advantage of priming was observed at seed stages D2 and D3. Particularly, Patula treatment at the D2 stage resulted in 10% higher germination, 4-day faster mean germination time, 15% higher seedling emergence rates, 52 mg heavier seedling weights, and higher emergence index with respect to untreated seeds. Consequently, Patula priming, an inexpensive, organic, eco-friendly and simple technique, has been proposed to improve seed quality in Aji pepper. In addition, priming had minimal effect on lower average emergence time, higher seedling weight and emergence index for seeds in the D4 and D5 stages.