Design and development of seed priming prototype for hydropriming of Okra (Abelmoschusesculentus) and pea (Pisumsativum) seeds

Abstract

Seed priming is being manually performed to enhance the germination related quality attributes. The objective of this study was to develop an effective mechanical priming system capable of improving the germination associated properties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. Based on the recommended design and prior optimization of operational parameters for hydropriming of both seed lots, a functional prototype was developed. Controlled conditions of selected process parameters, viz. soaking duration, process temperature, rotation speed and air flow rate were maintained during the experimental run. Three different levels each of germination percentage (80, 65, 50) for okra and (80, 70, 60) for pea, soaking duration (4, 5, 6 h) for okra and (45, 60, 75 min) for pea, process temperature (20, 25, 30°C), rotation speed (320, 340, 360 rpm), air flow rate (2.192, 2.740, 3.288 m3/min) for okra and (0.411, 0.548, 0.685 m3/min) for pea seeds were the operational parameters. Developed prototype was evaluated for its performance for hydropriming based on process responses, viz. moisture content after hydropriming (MC), final germination percentage (FGP), seedling length (SL), seedling dry weight (SDW), vigour indices (VI-I and VI-II) and electrical conductivity (EC). It was found to be effective in recuperating the quality attributes of both the seeds. Overall results supported the hypothesis that mechanical hydropriming using the developed prototype was observed to be effective as well as economical for okra and pea seeds.