Potassium Nitrate Priming Effect on the Germination of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum. Mill) cvs. “Mersa” and “Tekeze-1”

To compare the responses of two open-pollinated tomato varieties to germination parameters and shoot growth, seeds varieties, Mersa Tekeze-1 were given osmopriming treatments with potassium nitrate (KNO3) in a lab setting. A completely randomized design four replications was used. The analysis variance revealed that both responded differently priming concentrations significantly ( P < 0.05 ) for almost all measured traits. Potassium also affected final percent (G%) mean daily id="M2"> index (GI) length (SL) id="M3"> 0.001 ). However, KNO3 did not have significant effect on time 50% (T50) (MGT). Variety showed better performance SL than Tekeze-1; while had shorter days MGT reached T50 faster variety. at 0.5% 1.5% results control 1% KNO3. interaction variety resulted highest SL, but concentration, indicating different applied rate. This study confirmed possibility enhancing seed through externally agents such as Despite being preliminary finding, this demonstrated cultivars differ how they react priming, more research, using other agents, is needed.