1 Introduction

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the economically important cucurbits grown during summer season in hills and terai region of Nepal. Cucumber is low in calories and contains soluble fiber, high level of vitamins like C, K, other traces of minerals and antioxidants (Murad and Nyc, 2016). The nutritive value of 100 g of edible cucumber contains 12 calories of energy, 0.6 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat, 2.2-3.6 g of carbohydrates, 0.5 g of dietary fiber, 14 mg of Ca, 15 mg of Mg, 124 mg of K, 24 mg of P (Shakuntala et al., 2020).

Seed priming is a pre-sowing strategy for influencing seedling development by modulating pre-germination metabolic activity prior to the emergence of radicle and generally enhance rapid, uniform emergence and plant development to achieve higher yield (Black and Bewley, 2000). It is a technique to elevate the germination percentage and reduce the time of seedling emergence along with improvement in uniformity of germination and emergence in field condition (Dhal et al., 2022). Hydro-priming enhance the seed germination, growth and uniform seedling growth in the field in various crops (Adebisi et al., 2012), and increases the speed of germination, decreases mean germination time (MGT), increases seed vigour index (SVI) (Shakuntala et al., 2020). GA₃ play essential role in plant growth and development (Bai et al., 2016), chlorophyll biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism (Varier et al., 2010), and increases germination by 30.56% (Behera, 2016). KNO₃ improves seed parameters of cucumber and other vegetables (Ghassemi-Golezani and Esmaeilpour, 2008). Cow urine 10% shows positive influence in capsicum due to presence of physiologically active substances (Ambika and Balakrishnan, 2015). Vermiwash priming increases the first and final count germination compared to control (Sowmya et al., 2022). Fathima and Sekar (2014) revealed that vermiwash treatment was most effective in promoting seedling growth, including maximum hypocotyl and radicle length.

Poor germination and erratic seedling growth were major factors to obstruct the seedling emergence and lower production of cucumber respectively. Effective results of seed priming on germination and seedling growth may be useful in making cucumber growers aware about the benefits of seed priming. Hence, the experiment was conducted to assess the effect of seed priming on germination and seedling growth of cucumber.

2 Materials and Methods

2.1 Experimental site

The study was conducted in high-tech polyhouse at the demonstration site of Agriculture Knowledge Center (AKC) Office, Putalibazar, Syangja from March to July, 2024. Syangja district lies in mid-hill region at altitude 300-2,266 masl. It lies at latitude 28º4ˈ6̎̎ N and longitude 83º52ˈ0̎ E.

The morning temperature at 6:00 am remained relatively stable (20 °C–23 °C) (Figure 1). The afternoon temperature at 2:00 pm consistently recorded the highest values (35 °C–40 °C), while the evening temperature at 6:00 pm was moderate (30 °C–35 °C). This pattern indicates a clear diurnal fluctuation, with peak temperatures occurring in the afternoon and minimum values in the early morning.

Figure 1 Daily temperature of the high-tech polyhouse during experimental period

Relative humidity was highest during the morning (80%–100%), lowest in the afternoon (25%–35%), and moderate in the evening (35%–50%) (Figure 2). An inverse relationship between temperature and relative humidity was evident, with higher daytime temperatures corresponding to lower humidity levels.

Figure 2 Daily relative humidity of the high-tech polyhouse during experimental period

2.2 Plant material and seed source

The seeds were purchased from Agrovet and produced by Muktinath Krishi Company. The packet included following labellings:

· Variety name: Bhaktapur Local

· Moisture content: 6%

· Thousand-seed weight: 32 g

2.3 Seed priming treatments

Ten different types of treatments and concentrations were evaluated for an experiment. Control, Hot water, Gibberellic acid (GA₃), Potassium nitrate (KNO₃), Cow urine and Vermiwash were used with selective concentration (Table 1).

Table 1 Details of the treatments evaluated in the experiment Note: GA3- gibberellic acid; KNO3- potassium nitrate; ppm- parts per million

2.4 Procedure of seed priming

Seeds were primed for 24 hours in priming solution of KNO₃, GA₃, Cow urine and Vermiwash. Similarly, hot water (45 °C) priming of seed was done for 5 minutes. Seeds were soaked in 100 mL priming solutions of the respective treatment solutions. Then the seeds were re-dried to near original moisture level at room temperature for 24 hrs. For control, seeds were not treated and it were used as in the original condition.

For priming with GA₃, 1 g of GA₃ was taken in a test tube and 3 mL of 70% ethyl alcohol was added and it was shaked with low heat. The heated solution of the test tube was diluted with distilled water to make 1,000 ppm of 1 litre stock solution of GA₃. Finally, it was diluted with distilled water to prepare 100 ppm and 200 ppm GA₃ solutions. For the preparation of KNO₃ 1% solution, 1 g of KNO₃ was taken and diluted with distilled water to make 100 mL solution and 3 g of KNO₃ was taken and diluted with distilled water to make 100 mL solution of KNO₃ 3%.

2.5 Experimental design and layout

The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ten treatments and three replications. “Each treatment consisted 50 seeds, with 3 replications, resulting in total sample size of 150 seeds per treatment.” For seedling measurements, the 10 sample plants were randomly selected from each tray, and then tray mean were calculated. Subsequently, ANOVA were performed using the tray as an experimental unit (n=3).

2.6 Germination assessment

Among 50 seeds sown in each tray, the number of seed got emerged were only taken for an assessment considering 50 as a whole. Observation was done on daily basis in the morning time and data were recorded according to the data observed. Calculation of germination parameters are given below:

Number of normal seedlings from each replication were counted and germination percentage was calculated by using formula given by Piri et al. (2009):

Mean germination time (MGT) was the time taken for a lot to germinate. The lower the MGT the faster the population of seeds were germinated (Dhakal and Subedi, 2020):

Where, D =the number of days counted from the beginning of germination, n = number of seed germinated on each day.

Seedling Vigour Index (SVI) was calculated by using following formula (Dhakal and Subedi, 2020):

SVI-I = Germination percentage × Total seedling length (cm)

SVI-II = Germination percentage × seedling dry weight (mg)

Where, SVI-I indicates vigour of seed in relation with length of seedling while SVI-II indicates vigour of seed in relation with dry matter accumulates of seedling.

Days to 50% germination was the time taken to get 50% germination of final germination percentages (Coolber et al., 1990).

Speed of germination (BRI) was calculated by using following formula (Bartlett, 1937):

Where, p1+p2+p3+... and pn are the germination (%) at 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and nth day, respectively and ‘N’ is the total number of days taken for germination.

2.7 Seedling growth measurement

Seedling growth was evaluated by sampling plants at 21 days after sowing. The sampled seedlings were carefully uprooted to avoid damaging the roots. After collection, the roots were separated from the stem portions and different growth parameters were measured. For each treatment, ten representative seedlings were selected, and the mean values were calculated and recorded for further analysis.

Root length was measured after the seedlings were uprooted. The measurement was taken from the tip of the root apex to the base of the root system at 21 days after sowing, following the method described by Dhakal and Subedi (2020). Shoot length was determined by measuring the distance from the base of the growing medium to the tip of the shoot apex.

For fresh weight determination, sample plants from each experimental unit were collected and separated into root and shoot portions by cutting with a knife. The stem portion was weighed using a weighing machine to determine shoot fresh weight, and the values were recorded in grams. Similarly, the root portion was weighed separately to obtain root fresh weight, and the average values were calculated for each treatment.

To determine dry weight, the shoot portions were first weighed to obtain fresh weight and then placed in envelopes. These samples were dried in a hot air oven at 105 °C for 24 hours and then allowed to cool as described by Khatiwada and Adhikari (2020). After drying, the shoot samples were weighed and the shoot dry weight was recorded in milligrams. The same procedure was followed for the root portions: after measuring fresh weight, the root samples were packed in envelopes, dried in a hot air oven at 105 °C for 24 hours, cooled, and then weighed to obtain root dry weight in milligrams. The average values were calculated for analysis.

2.8 Statistical analysis

All the recorded data were arranged systematically treatment wise under three replications using Microsoft Excel version 16.89.1. To determine the significant result between the treatments, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out using R studio version 4.4.1 and DMRT was used for mean separation at 5% level of significance (p<0.05).

3 Results and Analysis

3.1 Germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and days to 50% germination (T₅₀)

The results on germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and days to 50% germination (T₅₀) affected by different seed priming method are presented in Table 2. Germination percentage, mean germination time, and days to 50% germination were significantly affected by different seed priming techniques.

Table 2 Effect of seed priming on germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and days to 50 % germination (T50) of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur Local) in Syangja, Nepal, 2024 Note: Mean within the column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level of significance by DMRT. * Significant at 5% (p<0.05), ** Significant at 1% (p<0.01), *** Significant at 0.1% (p<0.001), NS= non-significant at 5% (p>0.05), SEm= Standard Error of mean, LSD= Least significant difference, CV= Coefficient of variance, MGT= Mean germination time and T50= Days to 50% germination

Significantly the highest germination percentage (88.00%) was found in hot water (45 °C for 5 minutes). GA₃ 100 ppm (84.00%), GA₃ 200 ppm (81.34%), KNO₃ 1% (80.67%), Vermiwash 20% (80.67%), KNO₃ 3% (80.67%) and Cow urine 10% (80.00%), also showed increased germination percentage but were non-significant among themselves (LSD=7.54), while the lowest germination percentage (73.34%) was observed in control.

Significantly the highest mean germination time was recorded in control (6.90 days), while the lowest MGT was found in KNO₃ 1% (6.06 days), which was not significantly different from Vermiwash 10% (6.17 days), KNO₃ 3% (6.19 days), GA₃100 ppm (6.22 days), Cow urine 10% (6.26 days), Cow urine 5% (6.27 days) and GA₃ 200 ppm (6.34 days). Significantly the highest T₅₀ (6.83 days) was found in control and the lowest T₅₀ was found in hot water (6.00 days) which was not significantly different from Vermiwash 10% and 20%, Cow urine 5% and 10%, KNO₃ 1% and 3%, GA₃ 100 ppm and 200 ppm.

3.2 Seed vigour index (SVI-I and SVI-II) and speed of germination (BRI)

The results on Seed vigour index I (SVI-I), Seed vigour index II (SVI-II) and speed of germination (BRI) are presented in Table 3. Significantly the highest SVI-I (2,643.83) was found in hot water (45 °C for 5 minutes) which was not significantly different from KNO₃ 1% (2,506.23) and GA₃ 200 ppm (2,502.24), while the lowest SVI-I (1,828.13) was found in control.

Table 3 Effect of seed priming on seed vigour index and speed of germination of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur Local) in Syangja, Nepal, 2024 Note: Mean within the column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level of significance by DMRT. * Significant at 5% (p<0.05), ** Significant at 1% (p<0.01), *** Significant at 0.1% (p<0.001), NS= non-significant at 5% (p>0.05), SEm= Standard Error of mean, LSD= Least significant difference, CV= Coefficient of variance, SVI-I= Seed vigour index-I, SVI-II= Seed vigour index-II and BRI= Speed of germination

Significantly the highest SVI-II (22,555.33) was found in hot water which was not significantly different from KNO₃ 1% (22006.67), GA₃ 200 ppm (21,933.33), GA₃ 100 ppm (21,026.00) and Cow urine 10% (20,877.33), while the lowest SVI-II (16,823.33) was found in control. This finding was also supported by Sowmya et al. (2013), where KNO₃ 1% had highest SVI-II.

Significantly the highest BRI (0.49) was found in KNO₃ 1% which was not significantly different from KNO₃ 3% and Vermiwash 10% (0.48), Cow urine 5% and 10% (0.47), GA₃ 100 ppm (0.47), while the lowest BRI (0.40) was found in control.

3.3 Shoot length and root length (cm)

The results on shoot length and root length are presented in Table 4. The effect of different seed priming treatments on shoot length did not show significant differences. Similar finding was reported by Al Sahil (2016).

Table 4 Effect of seed priming on shoot length and root length of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur Local) in Syangja, Nepal, 2024 Note: Mean within the column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level of significance by DMRT. * Significant at 5% (p<0.05), ** Significant at 1% (p<0.01), *** Significant at 0.1% (p<0.001), NS= non-significant at 5% (p>0.05), SEm= Standard Error of mean, LSD= Least significant difference, CV= Coefficient of variance

Root length was highly significant for different seed priming techniques. Significantly, the highest root length was found in GA₃ 200 ppm (21.15 cm) which did not differ significantly from the hot water (20.09 cm) treatment, while the lowest root length was found in control (15.49 cm). Vermiwash 10% (15.75 cm), Cow urine 5% (16.56 cm), Vermiwash 20% (16.62 cm), KNO₃ 3% (16.67 cm), GA₃ 100 ppm (17.08 cm), Cow urine 10% (17.26 cm) and KNO₃ 1% (17.76 cm) also showed lower root length but were non-significant among themselves.

3.4 Fresh shoot weight and fresh root weight (g)

The results on fresh shoot and fresh root weight are presented in Table 5. The effect of different seed priming treatments on fresh shoot weight did not show significant differences. According to Farooq et al. (2007), Osmo-priming or chemo-priming did not improve the seedling fresh weight in melon. Seed pre-soaking treatments were recorded non-significant for seedling fresh weight in cucumber (Al Sahil, 2016).

Table 5 Effect of seed priming on fresh shoot and fresh root weight per seedling of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur Local) in Syangja, Nepal, 2024 Note: Mean within the column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level of significance by DMRT. * Significant at 5% (p<0.05), ** Significant at 1% (p<0.01), *** Significant at 0.1% (p<0.001), NS= non-significant at 5% (p>0.05), SEm= Standard Error of mean, LSD= Least significant difference, CV= Coefficient of variance

Fresh root weight was very highly significant for different priming techniques. Significantly, the highest fresh root weight (0.51 g) was found in hot water which was not significantly different from Cow urine 5% (0.50 g) and Cow urine 10% (0.45 g), while the lowest fresh root weight was found in Vermiwash 20% (0.21 g). Similar finding was reported by Tania et al. (2019). Rehydration causes early emergence by influencing pre-germinative process for germination.

3.5 Dry shoot weight and dry root weight (mg)

The results on dry shoot weight and dry root weight are presented in Table 6. Dry shoot weight and root weight were very highly significant for different priming treatments. Significantly, the highest dry shoot weight was found in KNO₃ 1% (240.00 mg), while the lowest dry shoot weight was found in KNO₃ 3% (194.67 mg) which was not significantly different from control (197.34 mg), Vermiwash 10% (204.00 mg) and Vermiwash 20% (209.67 mg).

Table 6 Effect of seed priming on dry shoot weight and dry root weight per seedling of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur Local) in Syangja, Nepal, 2024 Note: Mean within the column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level of significance by DMRT. * Significant at 5% (p<0.05), ** Significant at 1% (p<0.01), *** Significant at 0.1% (p<0.001), NS= non-significant at 5% (p>0.05), SEm= Standard Error of mean, LSD= Least significant difference, CV= Coefficient of variance

Significantly the highest dry root weight (46.00 mg) was found in GA₃ 200 ppm, while the lowest dry root weight was found in KNO₃ 3% (27.34 mg) which was not significantly different from GA₃ 100 ppm (30.00 mg), Vermiwash 10% (31.34 mg), control (32.00 mg) Vermiwash 20% (32.67 mg) and KNO₃ 1% (32.67 mg).

4 Discussion

Germination behavior and seedling growth of cucumber were significantly influenced by seed priming. Among the treatments, hot water (45 °C) priming showed superior performance in germination percentage and seed vigour indices, while KNO₃ 1% outperformed in speed of germination. GA₃ 200 ppm showed comparatively better dry matter accumulation. In contrast, control showed inferior performance across all parameters.

Hot water treatment enhances imbibition and stimulates several germination related-process, including the synthesis of GA₃, RNA, protein synthesis and DNA replication. This in turn may have weakened the endosperm, thereby promoting increased germination rate (Black and Bewley, 2000). KNO₃ Priming improved emergence and its time significantly in both carrot seed and Clonostachys rosea cv. IK726 (Bennett et al., 2009). Similar results were reported by Tania et al. (2019) in bitter gourd. Faster germination in seed priming with KNO₃ 1%, than non-priming is likely due to its stimulation of metabolic processes during imbibition, which prepare seed for root emergence (Sowmya et al., 2013). This reduces mean germination time (Sowmya et al., 2022) and days to 50% germination. Similar finding was reported by Shim et al. (2009), where seed priming improves days to 50% germination than non- primed seed. According to Singh et al. (2019), seed soaked at (50-52) °C exhibited the highest seedling vigour index-I indicating that this temperature range significantly enhance seedling vigour. KNO₃ 1% also recorded to show similar result (Sowmya et al., 2013). GA₃ 200 ppm recorded higher SVI-I which was in accordance with Badu et al. (2022).

GA₃ 200 ppm priming showed significant effect on root length and root dry matter accumulation of cucumber promoting root development through active stimulation of enzyme synthesis (hydrolytic enzyme) and enhanced cell elongation in the radicle region leading to highest root length. The results were observed for root length as earlier found by Badu et al. (2022). GA₃ priming showed improved assimilate partitioning toward root tissues and increased root sink strength for carbohydrate and other structural compounds leading to dry matter accumulation. Singh (1984), reported that GA₃ significantly increased dry root weight in seedling. KNO₃ 1% showed best result in shoot dry matter accumulation because KNO₃ supports in supply of readily available nitrogen promoting protein synthesis and more efficient reserve mobilization and assimilation during early growth. Similar finding was reported by Farooq et al. (2007), where improvement in seedling dry weight was observed from seed primed with KNO₃ 1% solution.

Distinct advantages can be revealed from comprehensive comparison among treatments. Hot water priming results in higher and uniform germination, making it beneficial for nursery establishment. For rapid and synchronized emergence of seedling, KNO₃ 1% could be beneficial, while GA₃ 200 ppm showed higher root dry matter biomass leads to potential improvement in transplant establishment. These trade-offs highlight the importance of selecting proper seed priming methods based on production objectives.

Beside of positive outcomes, the experiment was limited to single location and inside polyhouse condition. Absence of field validation restrict broader generalization. More studies are required under large and open field condition for better conformity.

5 Conclusion

Priming cucumber seed with hot water (45 °C for 5 minutes) proved to be effective for highest germination percentage. However, it was not significantly different from GA₃ 100 ppm, and GA₃ 200 ppm. Similarly, hot water was found to decrease days to 50% germination, increase seed vigour index-I, seed vigour index-II and have better effect on root length and fresh root weight. Mean germination time was decreased and the highest speed of germination was found in KNO₃ 1%. Dry shoot weight was significantly affected by KNO₃ 1% while GA₃ 200 ppm showed significant effect on dry root weight. Control treatment consistently produced the lowest result in most of the parameters. Hence, in practical applications, the choice of priming method should be based on target trait, as well as cost and availability considerations to enhance most of the germination and seedling growth parameters of cucumber.

Authors’ contributions

Saroj Yadav is the principal researcher who conceptualized the idea, collected and analysed the data, and prepared the manuscript. Bibas Chaulagai and Promise Shrestha helped Saroj Yadav in data collection, analysis, editing and proofreading of manuscript. Ganesh Lamsal helped in conceptualizing the idea, data analysis and proofreading of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, for providing a favorable environment for this study. Also, we are deeply thankful to our advisor, Assistant Professor Ganesh Lamsal (Department of Horticulture) for his invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire research work.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References

Adebisi M.A., Kehinde T.O., Abdul-Rafi M.A., Esuruoso O.A., Oni O.D., and Ativie O., 2012, Seed physiological quality of three capsicum species as affected by seed density and hydropriming treatment durations, Journal of Agronomy, 12(1): 38-45.

https://doi.org/10.3923/ja.2013.38.45

Al Sahil A.A., 2016, Effect of gibberellic and salicylic acids pre-soaking on seed germination attributes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under induced salt stress, Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, 49(1): 99-109.

Ambika S., and Balakrishnan K., 2015, Enhancing germination and seedling vigour in cluster bean by organic priming, Scientific Research and Essays, 10(8): 298-301.

https://doi.org/10.5897/SRE2015.6197

Badu R., Malla S., Rawal S., and Thapa S., 2022, Effect of seed priming on germination and seedling parameters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Lamjung, Nepal, Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 10(10): 1997-2000.

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v10i10.1997-2000.5209

Bai L., Deng H., Zhang X., Yu X., and Li Y., 2016, Gibberellin is involved in inhibition of cucumber growth and nitrogen uptake at suboptimal root-zone temperatures, PLoS One, 11(5): e0156188.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156188

Bartlett M.S., 1937, Some examples of statistical methods of research in agriculture and applied biology, Supplement to the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, 4(2): 137-170.

https://doi.org/10.2307/2983644

Behera S., 2016, A study on the effect of hormonal priming (GA3) on seed quality parameters of solanaceous vegetables, International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 6(3): 337-348.

https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2835344

Bennett A.J., Mead A., and Whipps J.M., 2009, Performance of carrot and onion seed primed with beneficial microorganisms in glasshouse and field trials, Biological Control, 51(3): 417-426.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2009.08.001

Black M., and Bewley J.D., 2000, Seed Technology and Its Biological Basis, CRC Press.

Coolber P., Slater R.J., and Bryant J.A., 1990, Changes in nucleic acid levels associated with improved germination performance of tomato seeds after low temperature presowing treatment, Annals of Botany, 65(2): 187-195.

https://academic.oup.com/aob/article-abstract/65/2/187/163682

Dhakal P., and Subedi R., 2020, Influence of mannitol priming on maize seeds under induced water stress, Journal of Agriculture and Crops, 6(3): 27-31.

https://doi.org/10.32861/jac.63.27.31

Dhal P., Sahu G., Dhal A., Mohanty S., and Dash S., 2022, Priming of vegetable seeds: a review, The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(2): 519-525.

Farooq M., Basra S.M.A., Rehman H., Ahmad N., and Saleem B.A., 2007, Osmopriming improves the germination and early seedling growth of melons (Cucumis melo L.), Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 44(3): 529-536.

Fathima M., and Sekar M., 2014, Studies on growth promoting effects of vermiwash on the germination of vegetable crops, International Journal of Current Microbiology Applied Science, 3(6): 564-570.

Ghassemi-Golezani K., and Esmaeilpour B., 2008, The effect of salt priming on the performance of differentially matured cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds, Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 36(2): 67-70.

https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha36271

Kale R.V., and Takawale P.S., 2019, Seed priming techniques improve germination, forage yield, and economics of fodder maize, Forage Research, 45(3): 229-231.

Khan H.A., Ayub C.M., Pervez M.A., Bilal R.M., Shahid M.A., and Ziaf K., 2009, Effect of seed priming with NaCl on salinity tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at seedling stage, Soil and Environment, 28(1): 81-87.

https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/Effect-of-seed-priming-with-Naci/991005541341107891

Khatiwada A., and Adhikari P., 2020, Effect of various organic fertilizers on seedling health and vigour of different varieties of cucumber in Rautahat condition, Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 4(2): 81-85.

https://doi.org/10.26480/mjsa.02.2020.81.85

Liang X., Gao Y., Zhang X., Tian Y., Zhang Z., and Gao L., 2014, Effect of optimal daily fertigation on migration of water and salt in soil, root growth and fruit yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in solar-high-tech polyhouse, PLoS One, 9(1): e86975.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0086975

Murad H., and Nyc M.A., 2016, Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care, Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice, 5(3): 139-141.

https://doi.org/10.14283/jarcp.2016.108

Piri M., Mahdieh M.B., Olfati J.A., and Peyvast Gh., 2009, Germination and seedling development of cucumber are enhanced by priming at low temperature, International Journal of Vegetable Science, 15(3): 285-292.

https://doi.org/10.1080/19315260902944859

Rajbhar P., N G., Faruk M., Singh A.K., and Singh S.K., 2023, Effect of PGRs on cucurbits: an overview, International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13(11): 763-770.

https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i113224

Satvir Kaur S.K., Gupta A.K., and Narinder Kaur N.K., 2002, Effect of osmo-and hydropriming of chickpea seeds on crop performance in the field, International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter, 9: 15-17.

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20023121251

Shakuntala N.M., Kavya K.P., Macha S.I., Kurnalliker V., and Patil M.G., 2020a, Studies on standardization of water soaking duration on seed quality in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 9(4): 1400-1404.

Shim K.B., Cho S.K., Hwang J.D., Pae S.B., Lee M.H., Ha T.J., Park C.H., Park K.Y., and Byun J.C., 2009, Effect of seed priming treatment on the germination of sesame, Korean Journal of Crop Science, 54(4): 416-421.

Shreevastav C., Gajurel S., Khanal S., Panthi B., and Dahal J., 2023, Effect of seed priming treatments on seed germination and seedling growth of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science, 8(4): 490-504.

https://doi.org/10.9734/ajrcs/2023/v8i4230

Singh G., 1984, Physiological studies in some vegetable crops, Gujarat University, 163-197.

https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/46846

Singh S., Bharat N.K., Singh H., Kumar S., Jakhar S., and Vijay V., 2019, Effect of hot water treatment of seeds on seed quality parameters and seedling growth parameters in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 89(1): 133-137.

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v89i1.86194

Sowmya K.J., Gowda R., Bhanuprakash K., Shankaralingappa Y., Puttaraju T., Channakeshava B.C., and Jayaramegowda S., 2013, Enhancement of seed quality through chemopriming in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 47(1): 22-30.

Sowmya K.J., Gowda R., Prasad R., H.S. Y., H.M. P., and K.J. S., 2022a, Enhancement of seed quality attributes through biopriming in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), The Pharma Innovation, 11(3): 491-497.

Stephen K., Khan F.A., Bhat S.A., Narayan S., Mir S.A., Mir M.S., Hussain K., Gul M., Khurshid A., Siddiqi I., Hussain S.M., and Lone S.A., 2018, Optimizing priming concentration and duration of various priming agents for improved seed germination in chilli (Capsicum annum L.), Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4): 2689-2693.

Tania S.S., Hossain Md.M., and Hossain M.A., 2019, Effects of hydropriming on seed germination, seedling growth and yield of bitter gourd, Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, 17(3): 281-287.

https://doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v17i3.43197

Varier A., Vari A.K., and Dadlani M., 2010, The subcellular basis of seed priming, Current Science, 99(4): 450-456.