Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Response of growth and biomass production of primed melon seed (Cucumis melo L. cv. Primal) to germination salinity level and N-forms in nursery

Author(s):

Miguel Guzmán ^*, Jorge Olave

Recieved Date: 2005-08-15, Accepted Date: 2005-11-19

Abstract:

Seed priming of vegetables such as solanaceous (tomato and pepper) and cucurbits (melon and cucumber) may be a useful technique in order to exploit seed potential in arid and desert ecosystems. In these areas the ion content in soil and water (chlorine, sodium and others) is close to or above the permissible maximums. The aim of this work was to evaluate the response of melon seedling in order to reduce post-transplant stress and thus maximize biomass production as a strategy for managing melon crops under saline conditions. The effects of priming and salinity level on germination and of nitrogen source in the nursery are evaluated. After priming in 150 mM of different solutions (NH₄NO₃; (NH₄)₂SO₄; KNO₃ and NaCl), seeds were germinated at three salinity levels (0.5, 2.5 and 5.0 dS m^-1). Finally, in the nursery five treatments were evaluated: three N-forms (NH₄NO₃; (NH₄)₂SO₄; KNO₃), NaCl and water (Control). After germination, true leaf number was measured daily. Thirty days after planting, length, diameter, fresh and dry weight of root, stem and leaves were measured. From these data water content was evaluated. Three types of response were obtained. Control and NaCl treatments were not residually affected by priming or salinity during germination and showed the lowest growth. KNO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ treatments were only affected by salinity levels. Growth and biomass production of the former were negatively affected, as was water content of the latter. Seedlings treated with NH₄NO₃ were only affected by priming. The highest growth and biomass production were obtained applying NH₄NO₃ and KNO₃ during the nursery period.

Keywords:

Priming, salts, nitrogen, seedling, muskmelon

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2006
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 163-165

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