Drying treatments in relation to seed germination of four papaya varieties

Y. K. Chan and L. K. Tan

Abstract

Four varieties of papaya seeds with and without their sarcotesta were sun or shade dried to evaluate the varieties response to the effects of such treatments in terms of coefficient ol velocity of germination (CVG) and percentage of germination. Seeds without sarcotesta dried to equilibrium moisture levels only after 1 day of shade-drying or exposure to the sun. Seeds with sarcotesta took about 3 days to 7 days to achieve equilibrium weight. The speed of germination measured by its CVG, was not improved by removal of sarcotesta but seed drying either by sun or under shade promoted faster germination for all varieties. With regard to percentage of germination, there was interaction between variety x treatment. Batu Arang, Kundang dan Subang showcd similar rcsponscs. No differences between treatments were observed but all had considerablv better germination compared with the control (wet, fresh seeds). Eksotika. however, did not conform to this general trend. Sun-dried seeds with sarcotesta of this varietv had considerably lower germination similar to that of the control.

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