Abstract

The characteristic of sesbania seed has a thick and hard seed coat, resulting in a lower percentage germination. Seed enhancement of sesbania with the priming process could promote seed growth and also the vigor. The objective of this study was to enhance germination of sesbania seed using seed priming process. There were 3 priming processes including hydropriming, osmopriming, and chemical priming. Reverse osmosis water (RO) was used for hydropriming. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 6000) and Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (ZnSO4.H2O) (2%W/V) were used for osmopriming and chemical priming, respectively. The seeds were soaked at 25°C for 1 day. After soaking, seeds would be dried back and germination testing using the Top of Paper (TP) technique with 4 replicas (100 seeds per replica). Untreated seed was used as a control. Root length and the normal seedling were measured at the 3rd and 7th days after sowing. The data were analyzed statistically according to the completely randomized design (CRD) experimental plan. Results revealed that osmopriming provided higher germination and vigor than the control. The mean root length and the germination of osmoprimed seeds were 23.75 cm and 53%, respectively, whilst compared with 15.75 cm and 43% of the control seeds.