International Journal of Horticulture, 2026, Vol.16, No.2, 77-87 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 85 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 withKNO3 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
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