Evaluation of pregermination treatments as potential promoters of germination and development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate diverse pregermination treatments aimed at accelerating, synchronizing, and enhancing seed germination, as well as promoting the development of vigorous tomato seedlings, by assessing the efficacy of hydropriming methods, chemical compounds, plant extracts, and biopriming strategies.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Germination rate, velocity, and temporal dynamics were determined using variables such as total germination, maximum daily germination, germination interval, and time to 50 % germination (T₅₀ ). Seedling vigor was assessed through measurements of stem and root length, in addition to dry matter accumulation. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted under a completely randomized design for each evaluated variable.

Results: Several treatments significantly enhanced the germination potential of tomato seeds and effectively improved seedling morphological attributes. Nevertheless, none of the treatments succeeded in modifying the temporal dynamics of the germination process.

Study Limitations/Implications: Future research should focus on evaluating the most relevant findings of this study under productive conditions and in relation to resistance against environmental stressors.

Findings/Conclusions: Hydropriming and biopriming with understudied Bacillus and Pseudomonas  species exerted positive effects on germination and seedling vigor indicators, respectively. Moreover, garlic, onion, and chili extracts demonstrated favorable effects on both germination and seedling development parameters.