Seed Germination and Seedling Performance in Avocado (Persea americana L.)
Venkata Rao
*
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru, India.
Venkatesha S C
Regional Horticulture Research and Extension Centre, UHS Campus, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-560065, India.
Priyanka Hugar
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of various growth regulators and chemicals on the seed germination and seedling vigour of avocado (Persea americana Mill.). Given the short viability (2–3 weeks) and slow, uneven germination (40–60 days) of avocado seeds, which challenge large-scale propagation, this research aimed to enhance the germination potential and seedling uniformity. The experiment was conducted in Mysuru. Significant differences were observed across all treatments. The most favourable results for germination were achieved with GA3 100 ppm, which initiated germination earliest (13.33 days), completed germination fastest (19.67 days), and recorded the highest germination percentage (88.93%), comparable to KNO3 2% (85.00%). Untreated seeds showed the lowest germination (41.90%). Regarding seedling growth, GA3 at 100 ppm and 200 ppm generally produced the best results. GA3 200 ppm resulted in the maximum stem diameter (7.54 mm), on for with GA3 100 ppm (7.50 mm). GA3 200 ppm yielded the greatest seedling length (99.70 cm), followed by GA3 100 ppm (95.57 cm). GA3 at 100 ppm resulted in the highest dry weight (53.20 g) of seedling. Vigour Index I (9121.07) and Seedling Vigour Index II (4730.77) were recorded with GA3 100 ppm. GA3 at 100 ppm proved to be the most effective treatment for increasing both the germination potential and overall seedling vigour of avocado.
Keywords: GA3 (Gibberellic Acid), seed germination, seedling vigour, KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate)