Response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. var. Hyson) under laboratory condition to priming techniques

Abstract

Seed priming has been reported to enhance growth of plants. To evaluate the effect of some physical seed priming materials (ultrasonic, gamma, beta and laser irradiation, magnetic field and hydro-priming) on seed germination and growth of sunflower a laboratory experiment was conducted at Islamic Azad University of Tabriz branch, using completely randomized design, with three replicates. The results revealed that the highest germination rate (8.4) was due to seed treatment by magnetic field 10,15 min. (Table 2). Lowest germination rate belonged to beta irradiation treaments (3.13 day) and control (3.16 day). Comparion of means indicated that highest seedling dry weight belonged seed treatments by magnetic field for 5 min. (9.46 mg) and gamma irradiation 15 min. (9.16 mg) respectively. Lowest germination percentages (40%) were observed for exposure of seeds to ultrasonic irradiation, beta irradiation and hydro-priming respectively. Comparison of means indicated that priming of sunflower seed with laser irradiation for 10 min. increased seedling vigor index by 173% against control. It may be concluded that sunflower producers could improve seed germination percent by priming the seed with magnetic field and laser and gamma.