Hydropriming Treatments Research Articles

Influence of seed priming in the germination and yield performances of common buckwheat

The study, conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science in Rupandehi, Nepal, aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming techniques on common buckwheat. The experiment comprised eleven treatments with three replications each. Germination parameters were analyzed in the laboratory using a complete block design, while growth and yield parameters were assessed in the field using a randomized complete block design. The results indicated significant improvements in all germination and yield parameters of buckwheat due to seed priming. Notably, the 48-hour hydropriming treatment exhibited the highest performance, yielding a germination percentage of 87.167%, a speed of germination of 66.62, a vigor index of 52.78, a grain yield of 1518.988 kgha-1, a test weight of 19.533 g, and a harvest index of 0.405. These findings suggest that priming seeds with water for 48 hours can effectively enhance the germination, growth, and yield attributes of common buckwheat.

Seed priming methods tested on Salvia officinalis L. germination according to BBCH scale

Seed dormancy is a major impediment for the production of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) seedlings. This study aims to test seed priming methods to break the dormancy of sage seeds in controlled conditions. Seeds were subjected to four treatments respectively hydropriming, magneto-priming, electro-priming and control with no seed priming techniques. During germination development stage all parameters were registered according to BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) standardized scale. Daily assessments were made, germination indices were calculated, new germination secondary stages were observed and described, and daily range for each secondary stage were obtained. All priming methods had different effect on sage seeds. The hydropriming treatment was the most effective with 70% seeds germinated in 10 days. Sage seeds from magneto-priming determine more than 50% seeds to germinate in only 8 days. Control and electropriming treatment showed a similar value of seed germination, set around 64-65%. In control, electro- and hydropriming treatments are necessary 6 days for the achievement of more than 50% seed germination, while for magneto-priming are necessary 8 days. Hydropriming has the highest germination index, significantly higher than control and magneto-priming. During the germination, hydropriming shows a gradual transition of seeds from one BBCH sub-stage to another, while electro- and magneto-priming induce a heterogenous variation through the entire process. Overall, the hydropriming treatment registered better results of sage germination compared to the control treatment.

Hydro Priming Efficacy on Rubber Plant Seeds (Hevea brasiliensis) Growth

Among the plantation products, rubber is critical to economic activity within Indonesia. Rubber is also identified as one of Indonesia's export products, which is significant as an export revenue source apart from the oil and gas sector. Malaysia is the world's second-largest rubber producer and exporter of natural rubber after Indonesia. Besides having more open export opportunities and stimuli, the domestic rubber market is still large. Therefore, this study aims to ascertain the efficiency of hydro priming of rubber seeds on germination time and power as well as sprout height. The research was conducted in the greenhouse at the experimental garden in the Faculty of Agriculture KU IMS in Kuantan Singingi, which are given at geographical coordinates 00 00-10 00 LS 1010 02 – 1010 55 BT. The research was conducted in November-December 2023. The questionnaire survey was conducted in November and December of 2023. The average air temperature of the research location for November and December 2023 was 28. ranges from 8 0C to 32 0C with relative humidity of about 81%. The research approach was conducted in a qualitative manner utilizing mathematical techniques. Data is generally put in a tabular form and analyzed. Various treatment levels were under Control, 12h, 24h, 36h and 48h of hydro priming. In this research, the parameters recorded include time taken for germination, germination strength and sprout height. According to the outcomes of the assessments made in this study, the hydro priming treatment conducted on the rubber plant seeds showed the fastest germination time characteristics in the 48-hour treatment, which is 3. 4 days. The maximum germination capacity was observed in the hydro-priming treatment of 36 hours, which was 90. 0%. On the other hand, the tallest observation parameter of the height of the sprouts was in 48 hrs of Hydro Priming, with a height of 26. 3 cm

The Effect of Different Priming Applications on The Germination of Seeds of Some Hazelnut Cultivars

In this study, the germination of pericarp and non-pericarp-free seeds of the Kara and Tombul cultivars was examined in relation to the effects of hormonal and hydro-priming treatments. According to the results, the control group produced the best pericarp seed of the Kara variety in terms of germination rate, root length, root fresh-dry weight, plant fresh-dry weight, and number of leaves. The seeds of the Kara variety without pericarp, 60 minutes of Perlan + 2 days of soaking in water in the control group (56 seeds), and the pericarpless seeds of the Kara variety, respectively, and the seeds with pericarp of the best Tombul variety (53.6 units), produced the best results when the root diameters were measured. The application of 30 minutes of Perlan plus two days of soaking in water to the seeds without pericarp of the Kara cultivar produced the best results in terms of leaf area, and the control group produced the best results for the amount of chlorophyll in the seeds without pericarp of the Tombul and Kara cultivars.

Synergizing LED Technology and Hydropriming for Intelligent Modeling and Mathematical Expressions to Optimize Chickpea Germination and Growth Indices

The influence of hydropriming and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on germination and growth indices, followed by optimizing and validation via artificial intelligence-based models was carried out in this research. White LEDs (W-LEDs) were more effective by yielding the most effective growth indices, such as mean germination time (MGT) (1.11 day), coefficient of variation of germination time (CVt) (20.72%), mean germination rate (MR) (0.81 day−1), uncertainty (U) (0.40 bit), and synchronization (Z values) (0.79); the optimum MGT (1.09 day), CVt (15.97%), MR (0.77 day−1), U (0.32 bit), and Z (0.55) values were found after 2 h of hydropriming, which was responsible for all efficient growth indicators. W-LEDs with 1 h hydropriming proved to be the ideal LED and hydropriming combination. Results on growth indices for in vitro seedlings were completely different from those on germination indices, and the most desirable germination indices were linked to red LEDs (R-LEDs). Whereas 4 h hydropriming was most effective for the post-germination process. Pareto charts, normal plots, contour plots, and surface plots were created to optimize the input variables. Finally, the data were predicted using Arificial Neural Network (ANN) inspired multilayer perceptron (MLP) and machine learning-based random forest (RF) algorithms. For both models, plant height was correlated with maximum R2 values. Whereas, all output variables had relatively low mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) scores, indicating that both models performed well. The results of this investigation disclosed a link between certain LEDs and hydropriming treatment for in vitro germination indices and plant growth.Graphical Graphical presentation of actual and predicted values for germination indices in chickpea

Seed priming improved the physiological parameters, growth, and yield of durum wheat varieties under tillering and anthesis drought stress conditions

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of seed priming on some physiological parameters, growth, and yield components of four durum wheat varieties (Hourani, Umqais, Sham 1, and Maru 1) during both stages of tillering and anthesis drought. Four pre-sowing seed treatments (hydropriming with distilled water, osmopriming with PEG, osmopriming with 1.5% CaCl2, and controls) were applied for 12 hours at 24 ºC. Drought was imposed at both stages by withholding water for 7 days and being compared with well-watered conditions. The experimental design was 4 x 4 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replicates for each treatment. During anthesis, seed priming significantly improved transpiration rate, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC) by 29%, 1.7%, and 3.5%, while drought suppressed these physiological parameters by 18.6%, 6.5%, and 12.1%, respectively, when compared with those during tillering. Osmopriming with PEG had significantly 35% higher transpiration rate and 4.9% higher RWC during anthesis stage than hydropriming treatment. Overall, osmopriming with either PEG or CaCl2 significantly improved the growth and yield parameters of wheat when compared with hydropriming. The highest grain yield was significantly improved by 82.7% for var. Sham 1 when seeds were primed with PEG. However, var. Hourani had the highest reduction in grain yield (67.8%) under drought at anthesis stage. In conclusion, seed priming resulted in an increase in grain yield at both stages, with more substantial improvement observed under severe anthesis drought due to the enhanced physiological performance of wheat.

Effects of Pre-Germinative Treatments and Temperatures on Tassel Hyacinth [Muscari comosum (L.) Mill.] Seeds

Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. is a spontaneous plant that grows in the whole Mediterranean area, including the Basilicata and Puglia regions (southern Italy), where it has received inclusion in the Italian National List for Traditional Agri-Food Product (TAP). The food and medicinal uses of bulb are ancient due to its antioxidant properties and high variety of nutrients, such as starch, sugars, and minerals. Muscari seed is characterized by morpho-physiological dormancy, and in order to achieve uniform germination, some pre-germinative treatments are needed. In this research, the effects of hydro-priming and osmo-priming, i.e., PEG 8000 and KNO3, as well as three germination temperatures (4, 10, and 20 °C), have been evaluated. In general, the average results pointed out that the pre-treatments increased the germination index (GI) by 5% and the germination percentage (GP) by 3% compared to the no-primed control. The germination temperature of 10 °C significantly reduced the median germination time (T50) by 5.4 days and the mean germination time (MGT) by 5 days compared to temperature at 4 °C. In particular, the best results were obtained by “hydro-priming treatment × 10 °C” interaction, in terms of T50 (34.9 days) and MGT (36.3 days). This combination decreased the T50 by 10.5 days and the MGT by 9.6 days compared to the “control × 4 °C” interaction. Pearson’s correlation matrix results highlighted a significant positive link between T50 and MGT (r = 0.993). In conclusion, these techniques enhanced the germination potential so that the use of pre-treated seeds could be included in a cultivation protocol to improve the germination phase and satisfy the growing demand for Italian bulbs.

Seed bio-priming with beneficial Trichoderma harzianum alleviates cold stress in maize.

Maize is one of the major crops in the world and the most productive member of the Gramineae family. Since cold stress affects the germination, growth, and productivity of corn seeds, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of seed biopriming with Trichoderma harzianum on the tolerance of two genotypes of maize seedlings to cold stress. This study was conducted in triplicates in factorial experiment with a complete randomized block design (CRBD). The study was conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Experimental factors include two cultivars (AR68 cold-resistant and KSC703 cold-sensitive maize cultivars), four pretreatment levels (control, biopriming with T. harzianum, exogenous T. harzianum, and hydropriming), and two levels of cold stress (control and cold at 5°C) in a hydroponic culture medium. The present study showed that maize leaves' establishment rate and maximum fluorescence (Fm) are affected by triple effects (C*, P*, S). The highest establishment (99.66%) and Fm (994 units) rates were observed in the KP3 control treatment. Moreover, among the pretreatments, the highest (0.476 days) and the lowest (0.182 days) establishment rates were related to P0 and P3 treatments, respectively. Cultivar A showed higher chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid content, and establishment rate compared to cultivar K in both optimal and cold conditions. The highest root dry weight (11.84 units) was obtained in cultivar A with P3 pretreatment. The pretreatments with T. harzianum increased physiological parameters and seedling emergence of maize under cold and optimal stress conditions. Pretreatment and cultivar improved catalase activity in roots and leaves. Higher leaf and root catalase activity was observed in the roots and leaves of cultivar K compared to cultivar A. The cold treatment significantly differed in peroxidase activity from the control treatment. Cultivar K showed higher catalase activity than cultivar A. The main effects of pretreatment and cold on polyphenol oxidase activity and proline content showed the highest polyphenol oxidase activity and proline content in hydropriming (H) treatment. Cold treatment also showed higher polyphenol oxidase activity and proline content than cold-free conditions.

IMPROVEMENT OF VIGOR AND EARLY GROWTH OF TWO COMPOSITE MAIZE VARIETIES THROUGH SEED PRIMING TREATMENT

One factor affecting productivity is the quality of seeds with good initial seed vigor indicators, but less than optimum growing environment conditions also affect seeds' growth and initial Vigor. One of the technologies that can improve it is giving priming treatment to the seeds before planting. This study aims to see the effect of priming treatment to improve the quality of Vigor and early growth of 2 composite corn varieties, namely Sukmaraga and Bisma. The research was carried out in the laboratory and the Green House, with the experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with each seed of the two varieties treated with Hydropriming (soaking seeds before planting) using Ion-Free Water (IFW) for 30 minutes, 12 hours, and 24 hours plus a control treatment without Priming, and priming using PGR made from sodium orthonitrifenol 0.2%, sodium 2,4-dinitrophenol 0.05% both as controls. So there are a total of 10 treatments. The results showed that priming treatment greatly influenced the germination, where all Hydropriming treatments gave average germination above 88%, significantly different from seeds without priming below 82%. The hypocotyl length ratio of Sukmaraga and Bisma corn seeds was also different from the treatment without priming. Seeds with hydropriming for 12 hours showed the best field growth percentage, reaching 96.7% (Sukmaraga variety) and 96.98% (Bisma variety).

Influence of iron seed priming on seed germination, growth and iron content in rice seedlings

The area under direct-seeded aerobic rice (DSR) is increasing in Indo-gangetic plains due to labor and water scarcity. However, iron (Fe) deficiency is a severe problem in DSR under coarse-textured soils, resulting in poor germination, interveinal chlorosis, and poor seedling establishment. Fe seed priming is a better option to ensure higher seed germination and optimum supply of Fe at initial growth stages. Hence, the experiment was conducted with seven seed priming treatments i.e. Control (hydropriming), 0.5% Fe through ferrous sulfate (FeSO4 7H2O), 1.0% Fe through FeSO4 7H2O, 0.25% Fe through ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid chelated iron (Fe-EDTA), 0.5% Fe through Fe-EDTA, 0.025% Fe through iron oxide nanoparticle (FeO NPs) and 0.05% Fe through FeO NPs. The Fe seed priming showed a significant increase in Fe content of paddy seeds over the hydropriming treatment. Among different treatments, FeSO4.7H2O (1.0% Fe) showed highest germination percentage (91.3%), root length (8.4%) and shoot length (9.4%) followed by FeSO4.7H2O (0.5% Fe) which was significantly higher over the control. But, the treatment involving Fe-EDTA (0.5% Fe) showed adverse effects on germination and seedling growth. Ferrous (Fe2+) iron and total Fe content in rice seedlings showed similar trends to total Fe content in primed seeds treated with different Fe sources. Thus, Fe seed priming of rice with FeSO4.7H2O (1.0%Fe) for 12 h was effective for higher germination percentage, greater iron content at initial growth stages and ameliorated the Fe deficiency in direct seeded aerobic rice.

Ultrasonic treatment to enhance seed germination and vigour of wheat (Triticum durum) in association with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt pathway.

Treatments of wheat (Triticum durum L.) seeds with sonication or hydropriming may enhance seed germination and vigour in association with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the effect of sonication and hydropriming treatments on seed germination of wheat through the characterisation of seed germination performance, GABA shunt metabolite level (GABA, glutamate, and alanine), and the level of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) mRNA transcription. Wheat seeds were exposed to three treatments for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20min: (1) sonication with water; (2) sonication without water; and (3) hydropriming without sonication. Treated seeds were evaluated for germination percentage, mean time to germinate, germination rate index in the warm germination test, and seedling emergence and shoot length in the cold test. GABA shunt metabolites level (GABA, glutamate, and alanine), and the level of GAD mRNA transcription were measured for the seeds after treatments and for seedlings during germination and cold tests. Seeds treated with sonication or hydropriming treatments had a higher germination rate index (faster germination) in the standard germination test, and higher seedling emergence and shoot length in the cold test. Seeds treated with sonication or hydropriming treatments showed an enhancement in GABA shunt and their metabolites (alanine and glutamate), and GAD mRNA transcription level compared to untreated-control seeds. In conclusion, the sonication or hydropriming treatments significantly improved the germination performance of wheat and enhanced GABA metabolism to maintain the C:N metabolic balance, especially under cold stress.

Study of Seed Ageing in lpa1-1 Maize Mutant and Two Possible Approaches to Restore Seed Germination.

Phytic acid (PA) is a strong anti-nutritional factor with a key antioxidant role in countering reactive oxygen species. Despite the potential benefits of low phytic acid (lpa) mutants, the reduction of PA causes pleiotropic effects, e.g., reduced seed germination and viability loss related to seed ageing. The current study evaluated a historical series of naturally aged seeds and showed that lpa1-1 seeds aged faster as compared to wildtype. To mimic natural ageing, the present study set up accelerated ageing treatments at different temperatures. It was found that incubating the seeds at 57 °C for 24 h, the wildtype germinated at 82.4% and lpa1-1 at 40%. The current study also hypothesized two possible solutions to overcome these problems: (1) Classical breeding was used to constitute synthetic populations carrying the lpa1-1 mutation, with genes pushing anthocyanin accumulation in the embryo (R-navajo allele). The outcome showed that the presence of R-navajo in the lpa1-1 genotype was not able to improve the germinability (-20%), but this approach could be useful to improve the germinability in non-mutant genotypes (+17%). (2) In addition, hydropriming was tested on lpa1-1 and wildtype seeds, and germination was improved by 20% in lpa1-1, suggesting a positive role of seed priming in restoring germination. Moreover, the data highlighted metabolic differences in the metabolome before and after hydropriming treatment, suggesting that the differences in germination could also be mediated by differences in the metabolic composition induced by the mutation.

AgNPs-Triggered Seed Metabolic and Transcriptional Reprogramming Enhanced Rice Salt Tolerance and Blast Resistance

Seeds are facing harsher environments due to the changing climate. Improving seeds' stress resilience is critical to reduce yield loss. Here, we propose that using ROS-generating nanoparticles (NPs) to prestimulate seeds would enhance the stress resilience of seeds and seedlings through triggering stress/immune responses. We examined this hypothesis by exposing AgNPs-primed rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds under salt conditions (NaCl). The results showed that primed seeds exhibit accelerated germination speed, increased seedling vigor (from 22.5 to 47.6), biomass (11%), and root length (83%) compared to seeds with hydropriming treatment. Multiomics (metabolomics and transcriptomics) analyses reveal that AgNPs-priming triggered metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming in rice seeds. Signaling metabolites, such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and glycerol-3-phosphate, dramatically increased upon AgNPs-priming. KEGG pathway analysis reveals that AgNPs-priming activated stress signaling and defense related pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction, glutathione metabolism, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant-pathogen interaction. These metabolic and transcriptional changes indicate that AgNPs-priming triggered stress/immune responses. More importantly, this "stress memory" can last weeks, providing protection to rice seedlings against salt stress and rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae). Overall, we show that prestimulated seeds with ROS-generating AgNPs not only enable faster and better germination under stress conditions, but also increase seedling resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This simple nanobiostimulant-based strategy may contribute to sustainable agriculture by maintaining agricultural production and reducing the use of pesticides.

Study on Hydro Priming of Pomegranate Seeds for Germination and Seedling Vigour

Among various seed enhancement method, seed priming is an efficient and inexpensive method for increasing and improving seed vigour & germination and seedling growth. Therefore, the present experiment was carried out with hydropriming of pomegranate seeds where the seeds after being procured were dipped in water for 0, 10, 20 and 30 hours and for 40 and 50 minutes respectively. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was followed with three replications for each treatment. From the study it was obtained that hydro priming treatment and soaking durations significantly increased growth parameters such as germination percentage, number of leaves, length of leaves, length of roots, number of rootlets and total length of seedling. Overall, the results revealed that hydro priming of the seeds for 30 hours followed by soaking in water for 40 minutes were the two best treatments that gave noticeable results for different parameters.

Seed priming with selenium and zinc nanoparticles modifies germination, growth, and yield of direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) seeds are often exposed to multiple environmental stresses in the field, leading to poor emergence, growth and productivity. Appropriate seed priming agents may help to overcome these challenges by ensuring uniform seed germination, and better seedling stand establishment. To examine the effectiveness of sodium selenite (Na-selenite), sodium selenate (Na-selenate), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and their combinations as priming agents for DSR seeds, a controlled pot experiment followed by a field experiment over two consecutive years was conducted on a sandy clay loam soil (Inceptisol) in West Bengal, India. Priming with combinations of all priming agents had advantages over the hydro-priming treatment (control). All the combinations of the three priming agents resulted in the early emergence of seedlings with improved vigour. In the field experiment, all the combinations increased the plant chlorophyll, phenol and protein contents, leaf area index and duration, crop growth rate, uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, B, Zn and Si), and yield of DSR over the control. Our findings suggest that seed priming with the combination of ZnO-NPs, Na-selenite, and Na-selenate could be a viable option for the risk mitigation in DSR.

Effect of gibberellin, nano-nutrition with titanium, zinc and iron on yield and some physiological and qualitative traits of white beans

Plant nutrition has a vital role in crop production. This study was performed to investigate the effects of different application methods of some nutrients (nano Fe, Zn, and Ti), and gibberellin on yield, some morphophysiological and grain protein of white beans in 2018 as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Experimental factors included seed priming (hydropriming, gibberellin priming, titanium nano dioxide, and nano-Zn priming) and micronutrient foliar spraying (zinc, iron, and zinc + iron). The results illustrated that seed priming and foliar application significantly affected yield, yield components and chlorophyll content. Plant height increased in seed priming treatment with gibberellin and foliar application of zinc + iron by 13% compared to the control. Furthermore, this treatment enhanced the number of sub-branches per plant by 32% compared to the control. Grain yield components such as the number of pods per plant and 100-grain weight were also affected by seed priming with nano-Zn, and the simultaneous spraying of iron and zinc that grain yield by 18%, so that grain yield by 2649 kg ha–1 in hydropriming treatment reached to 3211 kg ha–1 in nano-Zn priming with simultaneous application of zinc and iron. Nano-Zn priming with iron foliar application caused the highest biological yield (9011 kg ha–1), which increased by 19% compared to control. Nano-Zn priming increased grain protein percentage by 21%. This treatment along with the foliar application of zinc + iron, significantly enhanced leaf chlorophyll content compared to other treatments. Therefore, to increase the yield of white beans, priming treatment with nano-Zn as well as foliar application of zinc + iron can be used.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Seed Germination Was Promoted by Hydro-Electro Hybrid Priming Through Regulating the Accumulation of Proteins Involved in Carbohydrate and Protein Metabolism.

Asynchronized and non-uniform seed germination is causing obstacles to the large-scale cultivation of carrot (Daucus carota L.). In the present study, the combination of high voltage electrostatic field treatment (EF) with hydropriming (HYD), namely hydro-electro hybrid priming (HEHP), significantly improved all germination indicators of carrot seeds, and the promoting effect was superior to that of the HYD treatment. A tandem mass tags (TMT)-based proteomic analysis identified 4,936 proteins from the seeds, and the maximum number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) appeared between CK and HEHP. KEGG analysis revealed that the upregulated DAPs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to protein synthesis and degradation such as “ribosome” and “proteasome,” while the downregulated DAPs were mainly enriched in photosynthesis-related pathways. Furthermore, the maximum DAPs were annotated in carbohydrate metabolism. Some proteins identified as key enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, the tricarboxylate cycle, glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway showed enhanced abundance in priming treatments. The activities of several key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were also enhanced by the priming treatments, especially the HEHP treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the effect of priming is mainly reflected before sowing. In conclusion, the optimal effect of HEHP is to regulate the synthesis and degradation of proteins in seeds to meet the requirements of germination and initiate the utilization of seed storage reserves and respiratory metabolism. The present work expanded the understanding of the response mechanism of carrot seed germination to priming and the biological effects of high voltage electrostatic field.

Effect of Hydro-priming and Salinity Stress on Germination Indices of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

In order to evaluate the effect of hydropriming and Salinity stress on germination indices of Niger, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications at seed research laboratory of Shahrekord University. Salinity treatments were applied at five levels (0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl). Hydropriming treatments were applied at two levels (control and 6-hour hydropriming with distilled water). Results showed that the effects of hydropriming with distilled water and salinity stress on all the studied traits were significant at P ≤ 0.01. However, the interaction effects of hydropriming and salinity stress were only significant for the mean germination time, root and shoot lengths, and the allometric coefficient. The hydro prime of Niger seed resulted in the germination percentage, speed and mean germination time to be decreased significantly compared to the control treatment. The germination percentage, the time to 50% of germination, mean germination time and germination energy decreased significantly with the increasing salinity level. Hydropriming positively affected the allometric coefficient and improved its value compared to the control (non-hydropriming conditions).

Effect of hydro-, halo- and osmopriming on seed germination and seedling performance of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. (winged bean)

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. (Fam. Fabaceae) popularly known as winged bean is an underutilised legume. One of the major problems in achieving rapid propagation of winged bean is the very low rate of germination of the stored seeds rather than seed dormancy. Different priming methods were tried to improve the winged bean seed germination. To find out the seed germinability of winged bean, conventional hydropriming method was used. For enhancing germination percentage and seedling vigour, halo (NaCl)- and osmopriming (mannitol and PEG 6000) methods were utilised. Physiological and biochemical analyses were undertaken to elucidate the priming effect on seedlings. Hydropriming treatment did not show improved germination up to 80% and overall performance of seedling was not satisfactory. However, Ha2 (125 mM for 48 h) improved the germination percentage up to 82.49%. In the present study, both the osmopriming treatments (mannitol and PEG) revealed that seed germination increases by increasing concentration, but after certain limits germination percentage declined. PEG solution with osmotic potential, OP6 (− 1.0 MPa for 24 h) treatment and mannitol solution of osmotic potential OM10 (− 1.5 MPa for 36 h) treatment showed best results and is considered the best priming treatment for the tested lot of seeds. In this experimental condition, mannitol gives better germination and seedling growth compared to PEG 6000. It was concluded that 125 mM for 48 h was the best priming treatment to enhance the germinability, antioxidant enzymes and biochemical activities in P. tetragonolobus.

Fullerenol regulates oxidative stress and tissue ionic homeostasis in spring wheat to improve net-primary productivity under salt-stress

The effects of fullerenol nanopriming (0, 10, 40, 80 and 120 nM concentration) on salt stressed-wheat (0 and 150 mM NaCl) were investigated under natural conditions. Salinity resulted in a shift in wheat growth pattern in the form of LAR (+ 40.9% increase) and RGR (+ 13.4% increase) while decreased NAR (− 31.7%). It also disturbed shoot and root biomass, ion uptake and reduced chlorophyll contents. Despite increase in enzyme activities, higher ROS generation (+ 48.1% O2− anion; and + 62.2% H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (+ 40.8% MDA) were detected in salt-stressed wheat plants. Possibly, the increases in enzyme activities were not up to the level to completely counteract the salinity induced oxidative stress. Nanopriming with fullerenol improved NAR (+ 8.77% to 23.2%), ROS metabolism and decreased indicators of oxidative stress. Hydropriming treatment also promoted NAR recovery by 21.9% than control plants. Compared to Na+ ions, improvements in shoot relative concentrations of K+, Ca2+ and P also recorded along with soluble sugars and amino acids, which improved osmotic balance. These biochemical modifications contributed to improvements in grain yield attributes (+11.8% to 18.3% in 100 grain-weight) than salinity stressed control. Hydropriming also contributed to a recovery in grain yield attributes by 12.6%. Above all, the harvested seeds from fullerenol treated plants also showed better germination and seedlings growth traits. Conclusively, we report non-toxic, growth-promoting effects of fullerenol nanoparticles on wheat crop and as a way forward; we suggest its exogenous application to recover crop productivity under saline environments.