Abstract
IntroductionSeed priming has been conducted for centuries with growth advantages reported for a variety of different crops. Previous work has suggested priming does not offer a yield advantage despite an increased early growth if grown under ideal conditions. However, how these advantages unfold in regards to early root development is largely unknown. ResultsWe observed accelerated germination speed in primed seeds regardless of applied seed enhancement technology i.e. coating or pelleting. Additionally, we found significant differences in lateral root development in primed seeds vs non-primed seeds. Furthermore, we recorded an increase in volume and surface of embryo and perisperm indicating a distinct morphological change during the germination process of primed seeds compared to non-primed seeds. ConclusionsWe attribute the enhanced early plant development in primed seeds to increased root development and thus enhanced volume of the soil resource mined for nutrients. This improvement can be detected four days after emergence within the root system throughout the early plant development despite an early transition from seed reserves to soil based growth. The understanding of belowground root architecture characteristics can improve the selection of appropriate seed enhancement technologies and seedbed management practices.
Highlights
Seed priming has been conducted for centuries with growth advantages reported for a variety of different crops
We attribute the enhanced early plant development in primed seeds to increased root development and enhanced volume of the soil resource mined for nutrients
The understanding of belowground root architecture characteristics can improve the selection of appropriate seed enhancement technologies and seedbed management practices
Summary
Seed priming has been conducted for centuries with growth advantages reported for a variety of different crops. Previous work has suggested priming does not offer a yield advantage despite an increased early growth if grown under ideal conditions How these advantages unfold in regards to early root development is largely unknown. Physical seed enhancement technologies include magnetic (magnetic fluids used for removal of contaminants), radiation (UV, microwave, ion radiation, X-ray and gamma-ray radiation improve seed vigour but it is unclear how) and plasma (non-thermal plasma reduces pathogen and chemical contamination in seeds) applications. A faster and more uniform emergence, a reduced thermal time (accumulated degrees above base temperature), a higher resistance to pathogens, improved competitive ability over weed plants and a better performance under stress conditions (Jalali and Salehi, 2013; Paparella et al, 2015) collectively known as the ‘vigour effect’ of priming. For weaker plants (e.g. sugar beet) in particular, the ability to compete with weed species is crucial
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