Evaluation of Different Scarification Methods for Chile Maax Seeds (Capsicum annum L. Var. Glabriusculum)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate different scarification methods for maax pepper seeds under humid tropical conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: Maax pepper seeds collected in the greenhouse at the Colegio de Postgraduados Campeche Campus were evaluated. These seeds were subjected to six scarification methods: immersion in a solution of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) (8 h); coconut water (12 h); hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (5 min); H2O2 (10 min); sulfuric acid (1 min); and sulfuric acid (5 min), plus a control treatment. The evaluation was conducted under greenhouse conditions in plastic seed trays.

Results: The germination percentage and days to germination of maax pepper seeds were improved by all pre-germination treatments, reducing the start of the germination process by up to three days compared to the control treatment. The outstanding treatments were those that involved immersion of the seeds in coconut water for 8 and 12 h. The initial growth of maax pepper seedlings was greater than that of the control treatment by 26%, 25%, 18%, and 14% for plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, and number of leaves, respectively.

Study limitations/implications: Capsicum annuum L. var. Glabriusculum seeds have difficulty germinating if they are not in their natural state and are not ingested by a bird. Findings/Conclusions: Due to its plant hormone and other nutrient content, coconut water is a suitable pre-germination treatment for breaking seed dormancy and promoting early growth of maax chili peppers under tropical conditions.