Optimization of pre-sowing treatments to break seed dormancy in wild finger millet (Eleusine africana L) for enhanced conservation and utilization of genetic resources

Abstract Crop wild relatives of finger millet, a part of its genetic resources, are key to exploring the genetic potential of the crop for several climate-resilient and nutritional traits. Seed dormancy in wild species accessions poses a significant challenge to the conservation, evaluation, distribution, and their utilization in pre-breeding activities. In the present study, we tested 12 treatments to break dormancy and enhance germination in two wild accessions (IE 8414 and IE 8416). Germination of these two accessions under control conditions was 0%. Among the treatments tested, Thiourea at 0.5% for 16 hrs was the most effective treatment, achieving germination rates of 91.00% in IE 8414 and 95.25% in IE 8416. Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) at 0.2% for 16 hrs also showed significant efficacy, with 50.75% germination in IE 8414 and 70.75% in IE 8416. Gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 500 ppm for 2 hrs induced 51.00% germination in IE 8416, while < 1% in IE 8414. Chemical treatments have been more effective, and while other treatments such as ethrel, cold stratification, and water immersion, were largely ineffective, with germination rates remaining below 5%. These findings highlight the potential of Thiourea and KNO₃ as effective tools for breaking dormancy in wild Eleusine accessions.