IMPROVEMENT OF OKRA SEED-GERMINATION BY ACID, OSMOCONDITIONING AND HOT-WATER TREATMENTS

Osmoconditioning improved the germination of okra variety Veloudo, but was less effective for Boyiatiou unless seeds had previously been tre ated with H2SO4. Germination of Boyiatiou was increased by the immersi on of seeds in hot water (60 degrees C for 30 min) and teas maximal (9 0%) when this treatment was followed by acid scarification. It is conc luded that the presence of a hard seed coat limits the effectiveness o f osmoconditioning or hot water treatment on okra seed germination and that acid scarification is essential for the successful germination o f hard-seeded varieties, such as Boyiatiou. The retention of high germ ination capacity during storage for 3 months at 25 +/- 3 degrees C fol lowing acid and hot water treatment means that this technique can be a pplied commercially at the seed production stage or prior to marketing .