ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Response of Bael (Aegle marmelos) Seed to Hydro priming and different level of Drought and Salinity Stress

Seed germination is one of the essential factors in the cultivation of medicinal trees. The laboratory experiment was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand during 2015. Hydro priming with 24 h & 48 h, and water stress (polyethylene glycol (6000) with potential 10%, 15% and 20%) & salinity stress (seeds were soaked in solution with concentration of 5% 10% and 15% NaCl for 3 hours) on seed germination and seedling quality character of bael (Aegle marmelos). The results showed that the effect of hydro priming was significant on seed germination percentage; seedling length, seedling vigour and dry matter production than control and stress condition (salinity & drought) significantly decrease germination percentage, Mean daily germination, seedling length, seedling weights & vigour indexes. Mean comparison showed that control and Hydro priming and stress conditions treatments those after 25 days and the maximum germination (91.56%), Mean daily germination (3.66), seedling length (15.84cm), vigour index 1 (1450.41), were achieved by hydro priming of bael seeds for 48 h, Fresh weight of seedling (1.62g), dry matter production (0.33g), and vigour index 2 (27.79). were achieved by hydro priming of bael seeds for 24 h, but in stress, conditions failed to improve germination. Hence bael seeds can be hydro primed for 48 h and 24 h to improve the germination and vigour.