Comparative effects of hydropriming and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei biopriming on root architecture and seedling vigor of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development, Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Crops Research Laboratory, Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: rgrosales@mmsu.edu.ph
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.58
Seed priming is a pregerminative technique used to improve seedling vigor in different crops, including okra. The effect of hydropriming and biopriming (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei) on the root characteristics and seedling vigor of okra was evaluated. The two priming methods with different priming durations, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 h, were applied in the Smooth Green variety of okra. Unprimed seeds served as the control. The primed and unprimed seeds were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications and grown under ambient conditions with a temperature of 29 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%. Results showed that hydropriming for 6.0 h improved the germination percentage more than without priming, but it was comparable to other hydropriming (3.0 and 4.5 h) and biopriming (4.5 h) durations. Germination index was improved by hydropriming for 4.5 h, and this was comparable with 1.5 and 3.0 h. Hydropriming for 6.0 h was similar to hydropriming for 4.5 h and biopriming durations, resulting in faster germination. Stimulation of the root elongation and production of a higher number of secondary roots per seedling was observed in hydropriming for 6.0 h. At this hydropriming duration, it produced vigorous okra seedlings.
