Overcoming Dormancy in Okra Seeds

Abstract

The okra Abelmoschus esculentus is a malvaceae vegetable with nutraceutical properties and considerable economic importance in plant production. However, okra seeds have difficulty germinating due to the dormancy imposed by the water-impermeable coat. To determine the most effective method to increase seed germination and the performance of okra seedlings, the following treatments were carried out: control, immersion of the seeds in distilled water at 50 ° c and 70 ° c with immediate interruption of heat and 50 ° c with interrupted heat after 5 min; ultrasound for 3, 9 and 15 min and immersion in sulfuric acid for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min. The dormancy of okra seeds was facilitated, mainly, with water at 70 ° c. Treatments are not indicated to provide longer radicle and shoot length. The water at 70 ° C provided a greater dry mass of shoots. All heat treatments promoted greater dry mass of the root.