Seed Primig in Okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench] : Biochemical and Physiological Effects

High quality seed is the key for successful agriculture in modern era. Seed priming is an invigoration treatment to improve the seed vigour. Seed priming is a technique of controlled hydration of seed to improve its performance and is widely used by improving the rate and uniformity of germination and decreasing seed sensitivity to external factor. Three fundamental aspects of seed priming are osmotic potential, priming temperature and priming duration. During priming the moisture content of a seed is controlled by soaking the seed in aerated salt or compounds of higher molecular weight such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). In okra, because of poor germination and seedling establishment the seed priming technique is highly effective and suitable. Hydro priming (soaking in water) is a common practice at farmer's level, but no systematic work has been done so far. Keeping the above facts in view, this book was written describing the effects of halo-priming and hydro-priming on biochemical and physiological changes in seed quality of okra germplasm. It also ascertains the relationship of priming with seed vigour in okra.