Improved germination and vigour of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds by hydro- and osmopriming

The germination of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds by hydropriming and osmopriming was investigated. Treatments comprised immersion in different polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) solutions ranging from -1.0 to -1.5 MPa, soaking in distilled water, and unprimed (control). Seeds were soaked for 7 and 14 days at 15±2 degree Celsius, and then seed quality was tested germination in the laboratory and the greenhouse. A completely randomized design was used with three replications. When the seeds were osmoprimed in -1.5 MPa for 14 days, the highest germination percentage, plant height, number of roots and root length were obtained at both of the conditions. Furthermore, there were no abnormal seedlings in this treatment. Thus, this method is the most suitable for farmers to increase the germination percentage, germination index, and homogenous emergence of sweet pepper seeds under a wide range of environments.