Influence of Pre-sowing Seed Treatment on Speed of Germination (Seed Vigour) Flowering and yield in Marigold at Different Planting Dates

Abstract

The effectiveness of pre - sowing seed treatments on germination, speed of germination (Seed vigour), field establishment, flowering and yield of Tagetes erecte Land Tagetes patuJa L were studied for their possible inclusion.in the crop production strategy. Water soaking for 24 hrs. before sowing was found to be the best treatment. Seeds soaked or immersed in distilled water at 25°C for 24 hrs germinated earlier by 2-3 days in African marigold and 1-2 days in French marigold compared to dry seed sowing (control). Significant differences between the treatments were evident. Sowing of pre-soaked seeds resulted in higher germination and vigour, rapid and uniform seedling emergence and better seedling establishment, early flowering and higher yields. Storage of hydrated, dried seeds at 15°C for 6 months resulted in reduced total germination and the potential capacity for rapid germination.