Germination Behavior of Sand-coated Sweet Pepper Seed1

Abstract

Abstract Germination rate of sand-coated pepper ( Capsicum annum L.) seed (sand grain size < 75μm for an inner coat and 75–105 μm for an outer coat layer) was faster than clay-coated seed but was slower than raw seed. Part of the germination reduction in sand-coated seeds was caused by the water-soluble Gelvatol binder used. High oxygen (O 2 ) levels promoted the germination of sand-coated seed to a rate comparable to that of raw seed. This suggests that even with a porous sand-coating material, O 2 may be limiting for the germinating seed. When inorganic O 2 -releasing compounds (BaO 2 or NaBO 3 ) were incorporated into the sand material, the germination of pepper seed was further inhibited.