Effect of seed bio-priming on seed quality parameters of lentil under mid Himalayas

To formulate proper seed priming strategy, the response of four lentil varieties to seed bio-priming with Pant Bioagent-3 (Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma harzianum), Azotobacter sp. and Bavistin, in terms of field performance and seed quality was assessed. Seed bio-priming with Azotobacter formulation and Pant bioagent-3 significantly increased the field emergence (77.66% and 71.66% respectively), seed yield per plot. Germination and viability were improved through seed priming to 80% and 88.66% in DPL-62 with Azotobacter bio-priming. Vigour index improved to 18.8, 17.0 and 14.9 with bio-priming as compared to 10.13 in non-primed control in variety DPL-62. Significant improvement in the seed health was also observed in case of bio-primed seed. Seed discolouration reduced to the level of 12.33%, in Kali Masoor with Pant Bioagent-3 bio-priming, while least seed infection (11.66%) was in fungicide (Bavistin) seed treatment for DPL-62. Seed bio-priming improved seed health, in addition to enhancing the seed quality..