Effect of Temperature Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius)

Abstract

Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is one of the common green leafy vegetables used widely throughout Ghana. Jute mallow is cultivated by seeds and the demand for the crop is year-round. Despite the high demand, its efficient production is marred by poor seed germination. Thus, this study seeks to determine the effect of pre-chill, dry and wet heat on germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigor of jute mallow. Results revealed that hot water at 70⁰C with combination of 70⁰C oven heat for thirty (30) minutes produced the best germination, emergence and seedling vigour. The effect of hot water at 70⁰C only was also significantly higher than other treatments. Jute mallow farmers who produce on small scale could use hot water at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing. Large scale producers, however, could use a combination of hot water at 70⁰C and oven heat at 70⁰C to treat seeds before sowing.