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ABSTRACT
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) germination initiates seedling growth and proceeds once adequate temperature and moisture content have been reached and dormancy is broken. Seed priming is a method in which seeds are hydrated (control hydration or uncontrolled hydration) and dried to original moisture content but the actual emergence of radicle is prevented. The study aim to investigate the consequence of osmo-priming on the genetic and germination parameters of fluted pumpkin (telfairia occidentalis). Laboratory studies was carried out using 36 seeds of fluted pumpkin which was osmoprimed with NaCl (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar), MgCl2 (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar) and KCl(0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar). Data from germination percentage, growth parameters and chlorophyll content was collected and subjected to two ways analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result shows a significant difference in percentage germination between osmoprimed seeds and controlled seeds. The time of germination in osmoprimed seed was significantly reduced when compared with control. Germination rate index was minimally differed between the control and those of seeds osmoprimed with 0.05 millimolar KCl and 0.10 millimolar MgCl2 (63.65). The growth parameters of the seedlings at 15 days after sowing showed significant increases in number of leaves, numbers of roots branches and chlorophyll content. Seed osmopriming may be a sustainable method to increase crop production
