Auxin Priming Promotes Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor)

Seed priming is a successful method to promote germination in agriculture production. The result of auxin priming in promoting the germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus tricolor remains to be examined. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine the effects of auxin priming on seed germination and seedling growth of A. tricolor, a leafy vegetable with high nutritional value and potentially contribute to food security, which in line with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). In this study, 50 seeds of A. tricolor were soaked in each Petri dish contained three different concentrations of auxin [A0- 0 µM (control), A1- 50 µM, and A2- 100 µM] for eight hours before germinate on the germination paper. The Petri dishes were laid out based on a completely randomised design (CRD) with five replicates. Data for seed germination and seedling growth of A. tricolor were recorded. The data were analysed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan’s post-hoc test. Results showed that A1 and A2 significantly enhanced germination percentage and germination index meanwhile only A2 significantly increased seedling length and hypocotyl length compared to the control. These finding suggests that auxin priming promotes seed germination and seedling growth of A. tricolor, potentially improving agricultural productivity.