Effect of Surface Microbiome and Osmo-Conditioning on Restoration of Storage-Induced Losses of Seed Viability in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L

Seed priming can restore age-induced loss of seed viability or longevity; however, these invigoration responses may vary with priming agents and seed aging duration. The present study investigated the effect of two potassium salts (K-salts) individually and in combination (1:1) on different lots of muskmelon genotype, MS-1 seeds stored for four consecutive years, from 2013 to 2016 under ambient conditions. The combination of Ksalts significantly enhanced the percent germination of seeds stored for two years (from 2015 to 2016). Further, it also improved root morpho-traits of 10-day-old seedlings. The storage duration had significant effect on the seed surface bacterial and fungal populations. A significantly higher cfu mL-1 microbial counts were recorded for 2013 harvested seeds on three different agar-based media compared to 2014 to 2016 stored seeds. Further, the Scanning EM and FT-IR study revealed the surface microbiological status and functional groups variations, respectively. Thus, aging-related seed coat microflora is responsible for deterioration of the seed coat. Osmo-conditioning cannot restore viability of seeds stored under ambient conditions for more than two years.