Effect of washing and media on the germination of Papaya seeds
2008
Angeline, Okeyo | Ouma, G.
Studies were carried out at Maseno University, Kenya to investigate the effect of media and seed washing on the germination and subsequent growth of Papaya (C. Papaya) seedlings. Seed extraction was carried out from the fruit then flotation test was carried out to determine viability of the seeds followed by application of the treatments which were washing half the seed lot to remove the gelatinous material and leaving the other lot unwashed. Two types of media were used namely sand and topsoil and were placed separately in pots and planting the seeds commenced with the washing and non-washing of the seeds on 17th February 2007. The pots were then placed at the shade house, which allowed 70% light. The treatments were, T1 (unwashed seeds planted in sand), T2 (washed seeds planted in Sand) T3 (unwashed seeds planted in topsoil) T4 (washed seeds planted in topsoil. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) replicated four times. Data taken were number of germinated seeds after four weeks from the first emergence, root length, leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter and plant height. Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation using L.S.D at 5% significance level. The results showed that washing affected or increased germination in sand only but it also increased the growth of the seedlings in topsoil. It is concluded that Papaya seeds should be washed and soaked before sowing to enhance germination.
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