Improving seed germination of the eggplant rootstock Solanum torvum by testing multiple factors using an orthogonal array design

摘要: Abstract Solanum torvum is a highly vigorous relative of eggplant that resistant to number harmful soil-borne diseases and compatible for grafting with eggplant. Being potential rootstock, this plant frequently presents poor erratic germination, which makes its practical use difficult. We used an L8 (27) orthogonal array design evaluate the primary effects seven factors (soaking seeds, scarification sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), application gibberellic acid (GA3), potassium mitrate (KNO3) as moistening agent, cold stratification, heat shock, light irradiation during germination) at two levels (L0 L1) using four germination parameters (early final rate vigour index) in fresh S. seeds. seeds had strong dormancy no untreated high early (approximately 100%) certain treatments. An evaluation main revealed positive on from seed soaking, GA3, KNO3, irradiation, whereas NaClO negative effect. The stratification shock treatments also effect but lesser extent than other improved proposed protocol consisted subjecting GA3 was validated demonstrated be effective, success greater 60% being observed 3 days reaching plateau 6 days. A second validation experiment commercial growing substrate showed emergence 50%) 7 approximately 80% recorded protocol. we have developed will facilitate rootstock breeding programmes. Our results reveal designs are powerful tool establishing protocols germination.