The Effect of Seed Priming Applications on Germination Parameters of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of silicon (Si) and salicylic acid (SA) seed priming applications on the germination parameters of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). The study was carried out in Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Laboratory, under controlled conditions at 24±1 °C. The plant material of the study was Rajan red clover (T. pratense L.) cultivar. The laboratory study was carried out in Petri dishes according to the randomized plots trial design with 4 replications. The subject of the study consists of hydropriming application with 2 mM, 4 mM, and 6 mM priming doses of Si and 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 1.5 mM priming doses of SA. The study also included the non-priming application as a control subject. The germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, coefficient of uniformity of germination, and germination energy properties were examined in terms of the effect on germination development in different priming applications applied to red clover. Significant differences were found between the priming applications in terms of all germination parameters examined. It is thought that early germination, more uniform germination, and higher germination rate can be achieved with priming applications in plants with germination problems such as red clover. In this respect, 2 mM Si priming application can be recommended.