Effect of Temperature Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius)

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.56.29

Abstract:
Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is one of the common green leafy vegetables used widely throughout Ghana. Jute mallow is cultivated by seeds and the demand for the crop is year-round. Despite the high demand, its efficient production is marred by poor seed germination. Thus, this study seeks to determine the effect of pre-chill, dry and wet heat on germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigor of jute mallow. Results revealed that hot water at 70⁰C with combination of 70⁰C oven heat for thirty (30) minutes produced the best germination, emergence and seedling vigour. The effect of hot water at 70⁰C only was also significantly higher than other treatments. Jute mallow farmers who produce on small scale could use hot water at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing. Large scale producers, however, could use a combination of hot water at 70⁰C and oven heat at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing.

Keywords:
temperature treatment, seed germination, seedling vigour, jute mallow, Corchorus olitorius.

Article Info:
Received: 02 Nov 2020; Received in revised form: 13 Dec 2020; Accepted: 25 Dec 2020; Available online: 30 Dec 2020

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