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Priming with potassium nitrate positively influenced seedling development of gladiolus - SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition

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Priming with potassium nitrate positively influenced seedling development of gladiolus

The effect of different priming concentrations of KNO3 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 0%) on seed germination and seedling development of gladiolus (Gladiolus alatus) was studied under controlled conditions in Pakistan. Seeds were either dipped in different concentrations (1 to 5%) of KNO3 solution, placed in distilled water for duration of 48 hours or untreated (control). For each treatment 40 seeds were used. All seeds were placed in the growth chamber at a temperature of 20 ± 2°C for germination. Days taken for 50% germination increased with increase in KNO3concentration from 1% to 4%. Best germination rate of 92% was achieved in distilled water treatment followed by 80% for 1% KNO3 and 70% for 2% KNO3. Present results suggested that lower concentration of KNO3 like 0,2% to 1% should be tested for priming studies of gladiolus. An effect of priming with KNO3 on seedling development was found. Seedling length increased with increase in concentration from 1% to 3% KNO3 solution. Tallest plants (14 cm) were observed with 3% potassium nitrate followed by 13,5 cm for 2% potassium nitrate. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant effect of different concentrations of KNO3 on bulb weight of gladiolus seedlings. Maximum bulb weight of 0,64 g was found for 3% KNO3 followed by 0,39 g for 4% KNO3 and 0,21 g for 2% KNO3. There was a positive correlation between seedling length and bulb weight as shown in figure 1.


Figure 1. Relationship between seedling length and bulb weight in gladiolus as affected by seed priming treatments.

Author

Ramzan, A., I.A. Hafiz, T. Ahmad and N.A. Abbasi. 2010. Effect of priming with potassium nitrate and dehusking on seed germination of gladiolus (Gladiolus alatus). Pak J Bot, 42(1): 247-258.

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