Germination of Two Papaya Varieties: Effect of Seed Aeration, K-treatment, Removing of the Sarcotesta, High Temperature, Soaking in Distilled Water, and Age of Seeds

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted on the germination of fresh (0 years) and old (3 years) seeds of the P.R. 6-65 and P.R. 8-65 papaya varieties. The seeds of variety P.R. 8-65 had a better germination than those of P.R. 6-65, and the fresh seeds of both varieties had a higher percentage of germination than the old ones. Immersion of seeds in a nutrient solution containing KN0₃ and KH₂PO₄ reduced significantly the germination in the 3-year-old seeds and increased germination in the 0-year seeds of the P.R. 6-65 variety, while in the P.R. 8-65, the 3-year-old seeds were not affected, and the germination of the 0-year seeds was reduced significantly. Air bubbles applied to fresh seeds of both varieties did not affect germination, while germination was significantly increased in old seeds of P.R. 6-65 but reduced in similar seeds of the P.R. 8-65. When air was applied to the two kinds of seeds of the two varieties the weight per seedling and the coefficient of germination velocity were significantly increased. Germination in the two kinds of seeds and varieties used in these studies may be increased by removing the sarcotesta (aril) of the seeds and/or by soaking the seeds in distilled water for 24 hours.