Seed germination and yield of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) as affected by biophysical 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 marigold 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 seed germination percent took place in seeds treated with “magnetic field” for 5 min. and lowest in those treated by beta irradiation and “magnetic field” for 15 min. Mean comparions indicated that the highest root length belonged to seeds treated by ultrasonic and laser irradiation for 10 min. and lowest from seeds primed by beta irradiation, magnetic field for 15 min., laser irradiation for 5 min. and control. Higest seedling vigor index was obtained when seeds primed by laser irradiation for 10 min. It was also observed that the lowest fruit yield produced by seeds treated with beta irradiation. It may be concluded that tomato producers could improve seed germination percent by priming the seed with magnetic field for 15 minutes.