Seed germination of wild chili peppers in response to pre-germination treatments

The low germination of wild chili pepper seeds, together with the impermeability of their testas, is one of the factors that limit their propagation. In the State of Tabasco, wild chili peppers are an essential ingredient for the regional culinary culture. Therefore, knowing the factors that influence their germination and development will lead to their sustainable use. Seven pre-germination treatments and two light conditions were compared to evaluate the germination speed and uniformity of different wild nnorphotypes of Capsicum sp. Variations in pre-germination treatment response were observed. The 14:10 hr light:dark photoperiod increased the germination percentage (PG), rate (IG) and speed (VG) in 61.1 %, 73.4 y 43.5 %, respectively, in comparison with a condition of darkness. The use of 25 A HNO3 and hydrothermia (50 degrees C / 5 min) did not increase the germination capacity of seeds. PG ranges of 6.0 to 67.5 %) were achieved by applying 3 % KNO3. The highest PG (> 92 %) was seen when seeds underwent AG alone treatment combined with hydrothermia, regardless of the light conditions.