Relieving dormancy and improving germination of Piquín chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) by priming techniques

The effects of different priming techniques were evaluated to improve the dormancy and germination of wild seeds of “Piquin” chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum). Three experiments were designed for pre-sowing treatment of seeds: (a) chemical seeds digestion; (b) halopriming (with K⁺ or NH₄⁺ of NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ or Cl⁻) at different priming times (24, 48 or 72 h) and osmotic potential (−5, −10 or −15 atm) and (c) previously selected halopriming (KNO₃ and NH₄NO₃) + Gibberellic acid (GA₃, at 100 or 200 mg·L⁻¹) were tested. Digestion treatments did show any effect on seed germination. Recommended values of osmotic potential (Ψs), to improve Piquin chili seed germination, must be between −10 and −15 atm (−1.0 and −1.5 MPa) and the priming time must be between 48 and 72 h. Priming techniques can considerably reduce Capsaicinoids content on seeds, improve dormancy, seed germination performance, and increase the rate and uniformity of seedling establishment. KNO₃ and secondly GA₃ treatments may improve rapid and uniform germination and seedling emergence. The results provide basic information to develop guidelines for commercial establishment of Piquin pepper crops.