The study was conducted to investigate “Effect of potassium nitrate and different growing media on papaya seed germination”. For the study, the incorporated statistical design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six different treatments consisting of 1% and 3% priming with potassium nitrate for 15-20 minutes and growth media comprised of compost, coco peat, and garden soil in three replications. In terms of germination and vigor significant difference was observed from 3rd week after emergence. From this study, it was obtained that the percentage of germination (90%), as well as the time taken for the seed to germinate first (6 days) was seen as excellent for T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). T1 (0% KNO3 + 60% Coco peat + 20% Compost + 20% Garden soil) was found to give the highest parameters in terms of length of leaves (2.35 Cm), number of leaves (5.5), root length (8 cm). The various growth parameters such as viz., number of roots (30.5), were observed highest in the T5 (1% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). The seedling height (16.65 cm) was found to

be maximum in the T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). Therefore from this study done it may very well be said that T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil) showed the best result concerning germination and different growing media had a significant influence on the growth and vigor parameters of papaya seedlings.

Highlights

• The experiment revealed that papaya seeds primed with three percent potassium nitrate and developed in the mixture of growth media was obtained with the best results
• Papaya (Carica papaya L.), a flavorsome important tropical fruit of India, falls under the family Caricaceae. Papaya plant is dioecious and fruits are climacteric in nature. It has high nutritive and medicinal value. It is mainly used as fresh fruit & unripe fruits are used for culinary purposes.