PRIMING AND SEED ORIENTATION AFFECT SEED-COAT ADHERENCE AND SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT OF MUSKMELON TRANSPLANTS

The effects of seed priming and seed orientation on seedcoat adherence and seedling development of containerized muskmelon transplants were investigated. Seeds of muskmelon 'Top Net SR' were primed for 6 days i n darkness at 25 degrees C in an aerated solution of KNO3 (0.35 M). Pr imed and nonprimed seeds were individually planted in Styrofoam trays in the greenhouse. Seeds were carefully oriented with the radicle down , up, or in the horizontal position, and covered with 0.5 cm of the gr owing mix. Seed priming and seed orientation affected both seedcoat ad herence and seedling development, and interaction between priming and orientation was significant for seedcoat adherence. Our data indicate that seed priming can minimize seedcoat adherence during emergence of muskmelon seeds.