Effects of hydro-priming and seed weight on germination of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) in Sokoto semi-arid zone of Nigeria

Selection of seeds and priming in water could enhance the germination of Jatropha seeds. An experiment was conducted from September-December 2011 rainy seasons at the Crop Science Research Laboratory, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, to study the effect of seed weight and hydropriming on days to seed germination and germination percentage of Jatropha curcas L. Treatment consisted of factorial combinations of three levels of seed weight (500, 600 and 700 mg) and three rates of hydropriming (soaking of seed in water for 0 (no priming), 8 and 10 h). Treatments (9 treatment combination) were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed significant (P<0.05) effect of seed weight and hydropriming on days to seed germination and germination percentage of Jatropha. Days to first germination, cumulative germination and germination percentage was higher in 8-h primed seeds (10.44, 15.67 and 79.67%, respectively) than unprimed (0, 13.56, 67.78%, respectively) and 10-h primed (9, 14.22, 71.11%, respectively) seed. Seeds of 600 mg (8.44%) recorded a faster germination on day one but cumulative germination and total germination percentage was similar to 700 mg weight seeds. It can therefore be concluded that 8 h of hydropriming with 600-700 mg seeds could enhance the germination of Jatropha curcas.