Author(s): Reji Longjam and Amit Kotiyal

Abstract: Pre-sowing treatments are critical for increasing seed germination by dealing with dormancy, increasing water intake, and boosting nutrient absorption. Treatments prior to sowing interrupt seed dormancy which results in fast and uniform germination. Pre-sowing treatments stimulate robust seedling emergence by improving the absorption of water and nutrient uptake, resulting in stronger plants with faster early development. Seed germination is the active developing of an embryo that leads to the emergence of a new plant. Even under optimum circumstances, many fruit crop seeds fail to germinate. Seed dormancy can occur due to a hard seed coat, germination stratification, water immersion, inhibitors, or poor embryo development. The seeds may require particular treatments such as scarification, growth regulators, stratification and chemical treatments to overcome dormancy of the seeds. Pre-sowing treatments focused at decreasing disease and pest incidence help to produce healthier seedlings, reducing losses and assuring crop establishment. Also, pre-sowing treatments help seed to adapt environmental problems, improving resilience and the chance of successful germination and crop growth, emphasising their critical role in agricultural productivity and sustainability. This review summarises the impact of pre-sowing seed treatment on seed germination and seedling growth for several fruit crops.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i5g.1126