Abstract
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] seed germination is sensitive to salinity, and seed priming is an effective method for alleviating the negative effects of salt stress on seed germination. However, few studies have compared the effects of different priming agents on sorghum germination under salt stress. In this study, we quantified the effects of priming with distilled water (HP), sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on sorghum seed germination under 150 mM NaCl stress. The germination potential, germination rate, germination index, vigor index, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight were significantly reduced by salt stress. Different priming treatments alleviated the germination inhibition caused by salt stress to varying degrees, and 50 mM CaCl2 was the most effective treatment. In addition, the mitigation effect of priming was stronger on root traits than on shoot traits. Mitigation efficacy was closely related to both the type of agent and the concentration of the solution. Principal component analysis showed that all concentrations of CaCl2 had higher scores and were clearly distinguished from other treatments based on their positive effects on all germination traits. The effects of the other agents varied with concentration. The priming treatments were divided into three categories based on their priming efficacy, and the 50, 100, and 150 mM CaCl2 treatments were placed in the first category. The 150 mM KCl, 10% PEG, HP, 150 mM NaCl, 30% PEG, and 50 mM KCl treatments were placed in the second category, and the 100 mM NaCl, 100 mM KCl, 20% PEG, and 50 mM NaCl treatments were least effective and were placed in the third category. Choosing appropriate priming agents and methods for future research and applications can ensure that crop seeds germinate healthily under saline conditions.
Highlights
Seed germination is a critical stage of the plant life cycle
Our results provide insight into the mitigation of salt stress effects on sorghum germination
Seed germination was clearly affected by salt stress in the absence of priming treatment (Table 1)
Summary
Seed germination is a critical stage of the plant life cycle. The dormant seed becomes highly active and eventually becomes a healthy seedling [1,2]. Seed germination begins with water absorption and is accompanied by degradation of macromolecular. The efficacy of different seed priming agents substances, repair of genetic materials, and expansion of the embryo and endosperm, eventually leading to rupture of the seed coat and endosperm and the production of a prominent radicle [3,4]. Healthy seed germination strongly influences early seedling establishment and final yield [5]. Germination is susceptible to environmental stresses such as salt stress [6,7]. Over 900 million hectares, approximately 20% of the world’s total agricultural land, are affected by salt, and it has become an increasingly serious problem in agricultural production [8]
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