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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate pregerminative treatments of fresh and dried seeds and the seedling initial development of amashito chilli (Capsicum annuum L.).Design/methodology/approach: The experimental unit consisted of a Petri dish in which five seeds were placed, two experiments were performed: in the first one freshly collected seeds were used, in the second they were allowed to dry under shade for thirty days. Three treatments were applied, and a control treatment, with three repetitions for each one. Hydrochloric acid 3% (T1), sodium hypochlorite 3% (T2) and undiluted lemon juice (T3) were used.Results: Fresh seeds treated with sodium hypochlorite had the highest germination values (93.3%). The treatment with hydrochloric acid (T1) showed 0% germination. The dried seeds of T2 had a higher height (4.1 cm), the same treatment with dried seeds had the lowest height (1.9 cm). The survival of plants was not affected by pregerminative treatments, the values fluctuated between 77 and 100% in all treatmentsLimitations on study/implications: The development of plants was monitored only in a part of its life cycle.Findings/conclusions: Sodium hypoclorite is the best treatment for seed germination. In the case of hydrochloric acid, it is suggested to experiment with concentrations less than 3% to promote seed germination. It is recommended to let dry the seeds for thirty days and apply 3% sodium hypochlorite to stimulate germination.