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Objective: To evaluate different scarification methods for maax pepper seeds under humid tropical conditions.
Design/methodology/approach: Maax chili pepper seeds collected in greenhouses at the Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Campeche were evaluated. These seeds were subjected to six scarification methods by immersion in a solution of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) (8 and 12 h); hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (5 and 10 minutes); and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (1 and 5 minutes), plus a control treatment. The evaluation was carried out under greenhouse conditions in plastic planting trays.
Results: The germination percentage and germination time of maax pepper seeds improved with all pre-germination treatments, advancing the onset of germination by up to three days compared to the control. The most effective treatments were seed immersion in coconut water for 8 and 12 h. Early seedling growth of maax pepper exceeded that of the control by 26%, 25%, 18%, and 14% in plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, and number of leaves, respectively.
Study limitations/implications: Capsicum annuum L. var. Glabriusculum seeds have difficulty germinating if they are not in their natural state and are not ingested by a bird. Findings/Conclusions: Due to its plant hormone and other nutrient content, coconut water is a suitable pre-germination treatment for breaking seed dormancy and promoting early growth of maax chili peppers under tropical conditions.