To Determine the Effect of Seed Pelleting on Germination Percentage and Rate of Cleome Gynandra L. Seeds.

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) has small and lightweight seed that experiences low seed germination rates and inconsistent seed yield, which is a menace. Seed pelleting presents a viable solution to improve germination and seedling establishment by addressing planting challenges faced by smallholder farmers that optimize crop performance. Involves coating seeds with media to enhance their physical characteristics, which makes them easier to handle and plant, enables uniform seed distribution. Study aims to determine the effect of seed pelleting on germination percentage and rate of Cleome gynandra L. Data collected on the number of days to seed emergence (counts), seedling emergence percentage, plant height (cm), and root length (cm). Results showed variation in treatments, for the interactions, while some aspects had a considerable drop vis-à-vis slight changes due to agronomic factors that seed pelleting could not overcome. Variance in seed pelleting treatments between manure and clay was significant, variance between GA3 and manure was significant in seed emergence, and variance between treatments and control was significant. farm-saved seed experienced a low seed germination percentage as compared to improved seed cultivars (Agrovet). In addition, medium (<3.35mm) seed pelleting yielded more and even seed germination compared to large (˃4.5mm) and small seeds (<2.00mm). It was concluded, medium pellet seed size (<3.5mm) recorded maximum germination, field emergence with high vigour, pelletisation efficiency with uniform pellet size, and reduced seed rate throughout sowing. Seed pellet size of medium (<3.5 mm) was recommended as the optimum. In-depth research with diverse binding media for researchers.