Effects of Coconut Water Seed Priming on Germination and Seedling Growth of Capsicum annuum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2026.115Keywords:
Coconut water, Germination, Pepper, Seedling emergence, Seed primingAbstract
Uneven and low germination in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is commonly associated with seed dormancy and variability in seed quality. Coconut water contains growth-promoting substances, including cytokinins and gibberellins; however, the optimal concentration and soaking duration for seed priming remain undefined. This study evaluated the use of coconut water as a pre-sowing treatment to enhance pepper germination and early seedling growth. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 11 treatments and three replications. Four coconut water concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and two soaking durations (12 and 24 hours) were evaluated. Distilled water and untreated seeds served as controls. A total of 825 seeds were used. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were compared using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Seeds primed with 50% coconut water for 24 hours exhibited the highest germination percentage, improved uniformity, and enhanced seedling growth (shoot length, stem diameter, leaf number, and fresh biomass). Seeds treated with distilled water and 25% coconut water showed comparable performance, and both outperformed the untreated control. Higher concentrations (≥75%) did not improve performance and were associated with reduced growth. Priming pepper seeds with 50% coconut water for 24 hours is an effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly approach to enhance germination and early seedling vigor.
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