Dormancy behaviour of developing seeds in different Genotypes of chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.)

Abstract

Dormancy prevalent in developing seeds was studied in five diverse genotypes of Chilli in central farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar in 2014 in Randomized block design (RBD). Developing seeds at six developmental stages harvested in every seven days interval starting from 28 DAA were screened for existing dormancy by assessing germination percentage and vigour index in control and two dormancy breaking treatments ( KNO3 0.2% and GA3 treatment 0.3%). Results revealed that germination was initiated in 3 genotypes at 35 DAA in both control and treatment and at 28 DAA in two genotypes. Dormancy at the middle stage of maturity (35-42 DAA) responded more (90%) to treatment which gradually reduced up to 49 DAA. Average response to dormancy breaking treatments was <20% in all stages. Significant difference was observed with respect to all parameters in both control and treatment indicating differential genotype specific dormancy behaviour.