Influence of Seed Fortification Treatment with Inorganic Nutrients and Growth Regulators on Seed and Seedling Quality Characteristics in Bamboo (<I>Bambusa bambosa</I>)

Abstract

The best graded seeds (big and medium sized) were fortified with inorganic nutrients viz., Na₂HPO₄, K₂HPO₄, KCI, KNO₃, CuSo₄, K₂So₄, ZnSo₄ and with water soaking in two different concentration viz., one and two percent, respectively for 24 hours. Among the nutrients, seeds fortified with 1% KNO₃ recorded the maximum germination percentage (82%) and vigour index (1092) than control which recorded 53% germination and 345 vigour index respectively. Significantly the highest nursery establishment after 21 days enhanced the germination by 42%. Similarly the same seeds subjected to seed fortification with growth regulators like IBA, BA and GA₃ and kinetin with 100 and 200 ppm concentration for 24 hours enhanced the germination and seedling emergence. Seed fortified with 100 ppm GA₃ recorded 34 % increases in germination than the control at laboratory. Similarly the nursery establishment of seedlings after 21 days recorded maximum germination of 79% with the vigour index of 3771 than the control with 34 % germination and and vigour index, respectively.