Standardization of in-vitro seed germination testing protocol for basella (Basella alba) and mustard green (Brassica juncea var. rugosa)

Abstract

The demand and value for underutilized vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables like basella (Basella alba) and mustard green (Brassica juncea var. rugosa), have been gaining momentum as a source of nutritional substitutes. Information on seed testing protocols, including their dormancy management, are meagre. The seed testing protocols are neither available in ISTA rules, AOSA rules, nor in the IBPGR compendium. In the absence of prescribed seed testing protocols, practical difficulties are faced in the seed quality evaluation and/or by its end users (farmers) when raising a good crop. The presence of seed dormancy is beneficial in arresting seed germination; however, a long period of seed dormancy poses a problem in immediate sowing and its proper evaluation. In view of the above, the present study was conducted to standardize the seed testing protocol in basella and mustard green at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India, using 5 genotypes of basella and 4 genotypes of mustard green during 2023 and 2024. The results showed that basella seed germinated best on between paper (BP) at 20 to 25°C. The ninth day and 21st day were found suitable for the first and final count, respectively. As basella seed exhibits physical dormancy, the dormancy management treatments are recommended. Among various dormancy management treatments, presoaking in 1.0% KNO3 for 12 hrs significantly improved the seed germination. Whereas, in the case of mustard green suitable substratum is the top of the paper (TP) and temperatures of 20 to 30°C, are recommended, with the 5th and 7th day as the first and final count and the seeds of mustard green do not possess any dormancy