Priming of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds and its effect on germination, emergence and storability

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds were osmotically primed using different types of polyethylene glycol (PEG, 1000, 4000, 6000, and 10.000) solutions at water potentials (Psi) ranging from -0.14 MPa to -3.4 MPa or in water (0.0 MPa). The duration for priming was 1, 2, 3, and 4 days at room temperature (26 degreesC+/-1). The untreated seeds served as control. Priming for 2 or 3 days with PEG-4000 or with water was superior to other treatments. Priming seeds with PEG-4000 or water for 2 or 3 days resulted in almost 100% germination while only 35% to 45% of the untreated seeds germinated. The median germination time (MGT, T-50) was lowered to 12 days compared to the untreated seeds. The highest percentage of emergence and the greatest shout length and shoot dry weight were obtained from the seeds primed with water for 3 days. Priming effects were maintained during 30 days of seed Storage at room temperature. It is concluded that priming cumin seeds with water is a satisfactory alternative to osmotic priming using PEG. We recommend pre-sowing priming for 3 days with water and planting the primed seeds within 30 days after initial drying for 2 days.