2025, Vol. 13, Issue 4, Part A

author(s)
Ekta C Bhatt, Ashok H Patel and Ramchandra Suthar

abstract
This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet-C irradiation on seed germination, seedling growth, vigor index, and viability of different Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. varieties. Seeds were exposed to UV-C light for varying durations and then germinated under laboratory conditions. The results showed that UV-C exposure had both stimulatory and inhibitory effects, depending on the exposure duration and seed variety. The highest germination rate was observed in GA6 seeds after 30 minutes of UV-C exposure, while the lowest germination rate occurred in GA6 seeds after 10 minutes. Seedling growth analysis revealed that GA6 exhibited significantly longer radicle and plumule lengths after 30 minutes of UV-C exposure. Seed vigor was highest in GA6 at 30 minutes of exposure, and viability tests showed that seeds from GA5 and GA6 retained higher viability at longer UV-C exposure durations. The study concluded that UV-C irradiation can positively influence seed performance in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L., but its effectiveness depends on both exposure duration and seed variety.