Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
October 2017 Vol. 6(10): pp. 333-346
Copyright © 2017 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of Storage Conditions, Storage Periods and Dormancy-Breaking Treatments on the Viability and Germination of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Seeds

Elsayed M. Elazazi^1,2’3, Nahed M. Nour El-Din², Maryam S. Al-Qahtani¹, and Naema El-Tanger³

1.Genetic Resources Department, Department of Agricultural research, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, 200022, Doha, Qatar.

2.Ecology and Range Management Department, Ecology and Dry Lands Agriculture Division, Desert Research Center, 1 Mathaf El-Mataria St, 11753 Matariya, Cairo, Egypt.

3.Egyptian Deserts Gene Bank, Desert Research Center, 1 Mathaf El-Mataria St, 11753 Matariya, Cairo, Egypt.

Email: emazazi@mme.gov.qa

Accepted 25 October, 2017

Abstract

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. seeds are difficult to germinate successfully, especially those from freshly harvested fruits.  Germination of seeds under natural field conditions is highly variable, erratic and very poor. Seeds of C. colocynthis (L.) Schrad have strong dormancy. Therefore, in the current study  investigated  the effects of eight different pretreatments to break seed dormancy on the germination percentage, the viability percentage,  and the germination rate.  In addition,  the effects of three different storage conditions and four different storage periods in gene bank on the seed parameters were investigated to understand seeds storage behavior. Results showed significant differences between dormancy pretreatments, storage conditions andstorage periods in terms of their effects onthe germination percentage, standard germination percentage, viability percentage, dormancy percentage, and germination rate of C. colocynthis seeds.  Results indicated that treated seeds with 1%H₂O₂  for 24h and mechanical scarification were the most effective treatments for improvement of seed germination in C. colocynthis. It is indicated that the optimum conditions and storage periods for seed storage­­  were -22^Oc for 12 months  which resulted  the highest germination percentage. These results reflect the adaptive strategy of germination in C. colocynthis. 

Keywords:  Citrullus colocynthis, Seed Conservation, Dormancy,Gene Bank, bitter gourd, handal.