Efficacy of Priming Agents on Seed Germination and Plant Growth under Salt Stress in Vigna radiata

Abstract

Background: Vigna radiata or Mung, an important pulse crop extensively used worldwide, suffers significant yield loss due to salinity stress. Seed priming technology offers the possibility of sustaining crop yield under abiotic stress by ameliorating stress-induced changes, especially during the highly susceptible germination stage. Methods: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of selected seed primers on seed germination and plant growth in Mung bean cultivars-Pusa Vishal and Pusa 1431 under salt stress condition. Seeds primed with organic primers such as Cow Urine, Moringa leaf extract (MLE), Neem leaf extract (NLE); chemical primers-(KCl, KNO3, MgSO4) hormone-Salicylic acid (SA) and amino acid Proline were assessed for various germination, growth and biochemical parameters under salinity stress (150 mM NaCl). Result: Among the two cultivars, Pusa-1431 exhibited a more positive response towards priming treatments than Pusa-Vishal. In Pusa 1431 seeds primed with NLE 50%, MgSO4 50 mM and Proline 50 mM and in Pusa Vishal, SA 1 mM, cow urine 2%, MLE 100% revealed higher germination indices as well as enhanced biochemical parameters.