Germination of Allium cepa L. seeds subjected to physiological conditioning and drying

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the effects of physiological conditioning and subsequent drying at room temperature on germination and vigour of onion seeds. Two seed lots were used and the seeds of each batch were submitted to the conditioning in water and osmotic solution of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000), evaluating five levels of osmotic potential - 0,0 MPa [water], ‑0,2 MPa, ‑0,4 MPa, ‑0,6 MPa, and ‑0,8 MPa - and four conditioning periods - zero, 36, 48 and 60 h. After this procedure, the seeds were submitted to drying at room temperature for seven days, on paper towel. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated through the following tests: moisture, germination, first germination count, germination time, emergence, emergence days, seedling length and plant length in soil. The results showed that the conditioning followed by drying, up to 10 h of conditioning at osmotic potential levels from 0 to ‑0,2 MPa favours seed vigour. The 60 h period at the zero level of osmotic potential (water) promotes benefits for first counting of germination and seedling length. Hydro-conditioning was the most effective treatment for onion seeds.