Boron Seed Priming Impacts on Germination Percentage and Seed Boron Content under Controlled Conditions

Okra, a crop with high boron (B) demand, faces low germination due to hard seed coat, limiting yield potential. This study evaluated the impact of B seed priming on the germination percentage and seed B content of okra under controlled conditions. Seeds were primed with graded B concentrations (1.0%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, and 0.01 %) and hydroprimed (distilled water) for three durations (12, 24, and 36 hours). B seed priming significantly enhanced germination and seed B content, except at higher B concentrations, where toxicity inhibited germination. The highest germination percentage (96.7%) was achieved with 0.05% B for 24 hours, aligning with the calculated optimum concentration of 0.048% B. Longer durations (36 hours) resulted in higher B content (up to 787.9 mg kg^-1 with 0.1% B), germination percentage declined due to toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of B seed priming at optimal concentrations to address B deficiencies and improve okra germination, particularly in B-deficient soils.