Abstract

HERRERA-CORREDOR, Carlos et al. Chemical treatments for recovering germination in onion seeds. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.spe2, pp.63-72. ISSN 2007-4034.

A factor limiting the availability of onion seed is its accelerated postharvest deterioration. The research aim was to evaluate the recovery of seed germination in aged onion after application of chemical solutions. The onion seeds were artificially aged for 48, 96 and 144 h. Next the seeds were placed in solutions: gibberellic acid (3.46 mg·L^-1), (BAP (2.25 mg·L^-1), calcium chloride (55.50 mg·L^-1) and potassium nitrate (50.50 mg·L^-1), 8 to 12 h according to cultivar. The imbibed seeds were placed in standard germination conditions. The CaCl₂ treatment in aged seeds (48 h) increased the percentage of normal seedlings in the cultivar Contessa. All other seed treatments increased the time to reach T₅₀ and negatively affected germination. The use of BAP caused the higher reduction in the percentage of normal seedlings, lower seedlings biomass and the consequent loss of vigor. Toro and Contessa were the cultivars with greatest vigor, and Crystal white wax and Cojumatlán presented intermediate vigor, while Red burgundy showed the lowest vigor.

Keywords : Allium cepa L.; accelerated ageing; BAP; calcium chloride; potassium nitrate.

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