Pre-sowing seed treatment utilizing radiation-processed sodium alginate (ISA) and chitosan (ICH) enhances seed germination and embryonic seedling establishment of the chili pepper (Capsicum annum L.).

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crucial plant in both culinary and therapeutic applications, surrounding ayurvedic and allopathic therapies for various health issues. Chili seeds have factually been allotted with physiologically or internally generated state of dorm which effects their germination potential. Problems related with insufficient seed germination rates and vigor growth may result in unfavorable growing patterns of seedlings and reduced agricultural productivity. The ultimate goal of this study endeavor was to evaluate the role of two radiation-treated natural polysaccharides, sodium alginate (ISA) and chitosan (ICH), on the germination and embryonic seedling progress of chili. Method: Seeds were immersed in water for 12 hours in containing unirradiated sodium alginate (USA) at a rate of 40 mg per L, and unirradiated chitosan (UCH) at a rate of 40 mg per L, which were employed as controls as well. Furthermore, numerous doses of ICH and ISA (40, 80, 120, and 160 mg L⁻¹) were used separately as treatments for both experiments. Result: The findings indicate that of the employed concentrations, 120 mg L⁻¹ of ISA and 80 mg L⁻¹ of ICH emerged as the most effective, leading to significant improvement of all evaluated parameters, viz., seed germination percentage, germination index, seed vigor index I, and seed vigor index II, as well as early seedling growth, in terms of shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight compared to control treatments (DDW). However, the respective treatments shortened the mean germination time compared to the control. Seed-soaking treatments with ISA and ICH also led to an increase in the activities of enzymes such as α-amylase, β-amylase, and protease, as well as the leaf content of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, respectively, as compared to the control (water-soaking treatment). Conclusion: Conclusively, the administration of ISA and ICH at the recommended doses is an efficient and secure approach to increase the germination of seeds as well as early seedling development in chili. ________________________________________