Effect of pre-sowing treatment on seed germination and seedling vigour in endive and chicory

Abstract

The influence of pre-sowing treatments using hydropriming, osmopriming and halopriming in laboratory and/or nursery tests on seedling emergence, seedling weight and plant growth of endive and chicory was examined. Halopriming (KNO₃) or growth regulators (gibberelic acid; GA₃) improved the rate of germination of endive and chicory and reduced the mean germination time needed. 30 min pre-sowing treatment with NaHClO₃, methyl jasmonate and dictamus essential oil decreased seed germination as well as seed radicle length in vitro. In the nursery tests, pre-sowing treatments had in some extent impact on the upper part (fresh weight) of the seedling, while no major changes were observed for leaf number and root fresh weight. 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or NaHClO₃ treatment reduced plant growth of both species. The present study suggests that KNO₃ and secondly GA₃ treatments may improve rapid and uniform seedling emergence and plant development in nurseries and/or in greenhouses, which is easily applicable by nursery workers with economic profits.