Determination of Optimum Temperature and Moisture Content for Crop Germination

Abstract

The global warming due to climate change has effect on temperature and water availability which are necessary for crop germination. A study was carried out to determine the optimum temperature and moisture content required for crop germination. Maize, bean and okra were sown in containers filled with loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Temperatures used for the study were 5, 7, 15, 21, 25, 29, 35, 40 and 45oC while the water applied were 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20% of the field capacity. There was no germination at 5, 7 and 45oC even at 100 and 80% water application. At 15oC, germination only occurred at 100% water application and percentage germination was very low. The three crops germinated at 21oC but percentage germination of the crops were high at 25, 29 and 35oC when water applications were 100, 80, and 60% and declined at 40oC. Bean failed to germinate at 40oC and germination of the three crops was affected at 20 and 40% water applications.