Prior to use, seeds were subjected to various pre-sowing treatments, i.e. soaking in water for 24-48 h
The seeds were washed with tap water to remove traces of the chemicals and were sown directly in the soil at a depth of 3 cm in a tray. (Hereafter direct sowing of seeds in soil will be referred as in vivo condition.) Watering was done every 5 days. Germination of the seeds was tested at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C. Seeds were sown in three replications. Each replication contained 100 seeds. Radical emergence was the criterion for germination. The observations on germination were recorded at weekly intervals by taking the seeds out from the soil. Once germinated, the seedlings were removed and placed in the field.