Hot Pepper Seed Priming and Germination at Different Temperatures

The non uniformity of hot pepper seed germination is one of the main problems faced by growers, since these seeds usually show low germination rate and low vigor. This study aimed to evaluate the germination of hot pepper 'Mari' at different temperatures after osmotic conditioning. Seeds were conditioned in aerated solution of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) for a period of seven days. Seeds were incubated at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C. Seed counting were made daily to assess the germination rate. The total seed germination decreased with increasing temperature. In the first counting the conditioned seeds differed from non-conditioned at 35 degrees C. The osmotic conditioning was effective in improving seed germination at all temperatures, especially at high temperatures.