The effects of thermo priming on seedling quality and performance of aubergine

In this study, the effects of thermo priming (TP) and dehydration treatments on seed viability and vigour in aubergine seeds were investigated. Aubergine cvs. Kemer 27, Pala 49 and Topan 374 seeds were subjected to TP treatments at different temperatures (40, 45 and 50°C) for different periods (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min). Untreated seeds were evaluated as the control. Following TP treatments, the seeds were surface dried (TP+SD) and divided into two sub-groups in each treatment group. First part of the seeds was immediately taken to germination tests. Then, the second part was dried back until the original seed moisture content was reached (TP+DB) and then subjected to germination tests. Having completed the experiments, responses of aubergine seeds and dehydration treatments were observed on the bases of both viability [normal germination rate (NGR)] and vigour [mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), seedling vigour index (SVI) and seedling dry weight] parameters. When the overall data were assessed, the best protocols that provide physiological enhancement in three cultivars of aubergine seeds were determined separately. The best results were obtained from the treatments conducted at 45°C for 10 min TP+SD and TP+DB in seeds of aubergine cvs. Kemer 27 and Topan 374; at 45°C for 25 min TP+SD and TP+DB in seeds of aubergine cv. Pala 49. The results of these experiments have shown that TP and dehydration treatments could be suggested to both seed and seedling industries since their correct use cause increases in seed viability and vigour. Furthermore, the addition of "thermo priming" as a pre-sowing treatment for aubergine seeds to the regulations of the environmental friendly production techniques such as organic farming and good agricultural practices would be a useful strategy.