The seed germination of
Capsicum frutescens
L. was investigated through various
methods, namely, washing and air dry storage treatments, applications of gibberelic acid (GA
3),
Kinetin, potassium nitrite (KNO
2) and potassium nitrate (KNO
3) to improve germination of seeds
in view of poor germination reported. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments namely
washing to remove the slimy coverings; air-drying at various time-intervals; incubated in different
concentrations of GA
3, Kinetin, KNO
2 and KNO
3. The treatments were subjected to light or dark
germinations at 30°C and radicle emergence scored after 15days. The various results showed that
washing treatment, and light germination had a significant effect on the germination of
Capsicum
frutescens seeds. For air-drying treatment, germination increased from 0-48hrs and decreased after
72hrs, 48hrs air-drying duration gave the highest percentage germination. Application of GA
3,
kinetin, KNO
2 and KNO
3 in low concentrations promoted the germination of freshly harvested
Capsicum frutescens seeds. Generally the KNO
2 and KNO
3 gave the best germination results. The
findings of this study have significant implications in the commercial production of Capsicum
frutescens in view of its economic and medicinal importance.