Abstract:
The present experiment was conducted in the Botany Department of Baha Uddin Zakariya University in Multan in 2024-2025 to investigate the effects of seed pretreatment with different auxin concentrations on seed germination and plant growth in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Three auxin concentrations (25mg/L,50mg/L, and 75mg/L) were applied for four soaking durations (8h, 16h, 24h,and 32 hours) across two chilli varieties, V1 (Sky Star 4F.1) and V2(SV7864HM). Untreated seeds served as the control group. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a/b ratio, total chlorophyll contents, carotenoids, total soluble proteins, and free amino acids were among the chemical parameters evaluated in the study, along with morphological parameters like whole plant length, whole plant fresh weight, and dry weight. The findings showed that, in comparison with the control, auxin seed priming greatly enhanced seed germination and early plant development in both kinds. In variety V2(SV7864HM), which exhibited the greater values in morphological growth and photosynthetic pigments, the most successful treatment was a 25 mg/L auxin concentration for 24 hours. A dose-dependent response was suggested by the fact that high auxin concentrations (50 mg/L and 75 mg/L) did not improve growth and, in certain situations, inhibited plant development. Increased total soluble proteins and amino acids showed better metabolic activity and stress tolerance, whereas increases in carotenoid and chlorophyll content under ideal auxin treatments suggested greater photosynthetic efficiency. According to these results, exogenous auxin seed priming has the potential to be a cost effective and efficient method of improving chilli crops' early growth performance. The study found that varietal differences greatly affect response to plant growth regulators and that the optimal auxin dose and duration are critical for maximizing benefits. With the use of this knowledge, specialized hormone based seed priming programs that improve chilli farming methods may be created.
Page(s):
75-75
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025