PEG Priming Research Articles

Pengaruh Osmopriming Benih terhadap Perkecambahan dan Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.) pada Cekaman Kekeringan

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a commodity that often experiences price fluctuations due to a decrease in the supply of cayenne pepper amidst a large market demand. One of the factors causing the decrease in the supply of cayenne pepper is the environmental conditions that experience drought stress during the dry season. Osmopriming of seeds is one method that can be used to overcome drought stress. This study aims to determine the effect of osmopriming seeds using PEG 6000 on the germination and growth of cayenne pepper plants on drought stress. This study was experimental using a completely randomized design, with 2 treatment factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the application of priming at three concentration levels: P0 (0% PEG), P1 (12.5% PEG), and P2 (25% PEG). The second factor was drought stress treatment which consisted of 3 levels, namely: K1 (100% field capacity), K2 (75% field capacity), and K3 (50% field capacity). Data analysis used univariate analysis of variance and followed by DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test) advanced testing with α = 0.05. The results showed that the application of 25% PEG priming gave the most optimal results on the performance of germination and growth of cayenne pepper plants, such as plant height, root length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, and shoot fresh weight.

PEG-6000 Priming Improves Aged Soybean Seed Vigor via Carbon Metabolism, ROS Scavenging, Hormone Signaling, and Lignin Synthesis Regulation

Seed priming, a valuable seed pretreatment method widely employed in agricultural production, counteracts the decline in seed vigor attributed to aging and deterioration. However, PEG priming effectively enhances the vigor of aged soybean seeds. In this study, “TONGDOU13” soybean seeds were subjected to PEG-6000 priming at varying concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) for three different durations (12 h, 24 h, 36 h). The results showed that a 24 h priming with 30% PEG-6000 significantly enhances the vigor of aged soybean seeds. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the heightened vigor resulting from PEG-6000 priming, we employed transcriptome sequencing and physiological–biochemical tests. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed the significant down-regulation of carbon metabolism-related genes post PEG-6000 priming, which facilitated energetically efficient germination. Five peroxidase-encoding genes displayed significant up-regulation, promoting the conversion of coumaryl alcohol to hydroxy-phenyl lignin, a probable catalyst for augmented seed vigor. SOD and GST genes were significantly up-regulated, enhancing the scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The concurrent up-regulation of brassinolide (BR) and auxin (IAA) signals countered ABA signaling, thereby promoting aged seed germination. Further investigation included the measurements of antioxidant enzyme activity, hormone levels, and lignin content. Notably, primed aged seeds exhibited enhanced ROS scavenging ability, and increased lignin, BR, and IAA contents. Therefore, PEG priming may improve aged soybean seed vigor through the co-regulation of carbon metabolism, ROS scavenging, hormone signaling, and lignin synthesis. This study will be vital for preserving germplasm resources and reutilizing aged soybean seeds.

Priming methods affected deterioration speed of primed rice seeds by regulating reactive oxygen species accumulation, seed respiration and starch degradation.

Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment that is beneficial for rice seed germination and seedling growth, but the reduced seed longevity after seed priming greatly limited its adoption. The deterioration of primed seeds showed large differences among different studies, and the priming method might play an important role in regulating the deterioration speed of primed seeds. However, whether and how the priming method affected the deterioration of primed rice seeds during storage remains unknown. In this study, two typical seed priming methods, namely hydropriming (HP) and osmopriming (PEG) were compared under artificially accelerated aging conditions, the changes in germination performance, starch metabolism, seed respiration and reactive oxygen species accumulation before and after accelerated aging were determined. Hydroprimed rice seeds exhibited significantly faster deterioration speed than that of PEG-primed seeds in terms of germination speed and percentage. Meanwhile, α-amylase activity and total soluble sugar content in hydroprimed seeds were reduced by 19.3% and 10.0% respectively after aging, as compared with PEG-primed seeds. Such effects were strongly associated with the increased reactive oxygen generation and lipid peroxidation, as the content of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in hydroprimed seeds were 4.4%, 12.3% and 13.7% higher than those in PEG-primed seeds after aging, such effect could be attributed to the increased respiratory metabolism in hydroprimed seeds. In addition, the simultaneous use of N-acetylcysteine with HP and PEG priming greatly inhibited the deterioration of primed rice seeds, suggesting that the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species may be the key factor affecting the speed of deterioration in primed rice seeds during storage.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PRIMING METHODS ON GERMINATION BEHAVIOUR OF BROADLEAF MUSTARD CV. MARPHA CHAUDA PAATE

An experiment was conducted in IAAS to study the effectiveness of different priming methods on germination & seedling characters of Marpha Chauda Pate variety of broadleaf mustard. The experiment was laid in CRD with 6 treatments each replicated 5 times. Treatments used were GAȝ (100 ppm), PEG (10%), NaCl (2%), Mannitol (4%), controlled, and hydro-priming. The highest germination percentage was 91.2% with GAȝ & PEG priming while the lowest germination was achieved at 77.6% from NaCl. Lower germination in NaCl might be due to the toxic effect of salinity. Hydro-priming gave the highest fresh weight. Unprimed seeds gave the highest fresh weight (0.338 gm). The highest vigor index (1032.74) was achieved with PEG. Highest R: P. ratio was recorded with hydro priming and lowest with GA3. Overall, priming with PEG (10%) gave better performance. Priming with PEG would be beneficial for germination and seedling establishment of mustard.

Priming improves germination and seed reserve utilization, growth, antioxidant responses and membrane stability at early seedling stage of Saudi sorghum varieties under drought stress

Seeds of three sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) varieties from Southwest Saudi Arabia were used to investigate the potential of osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) to improve germination performance, seed reserve utilization and early seedling growth and drought stress tolerance. The primed (PS) and unprimed (UPS) seeds of the three sorghum varieties were germinated for 8 days under increasing PEG-induced osmotic stress. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, in a factorial arrangement, with three sorghum cultivars (‘Zaydia’, ‘Shahbi’ and ‘Ahmar’) and four osmotic potentials (0.0; -0.4; -0.8 and -1.2 MPa) with four replicates of 50 seeds each. The results showed that drought stress affected seed germination and seedling emergence and establishment, but increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT). The strongest inhibition of germination and growth occurred at the highest PEG concentration and a significant difference was noticeable between the studied varieties. We confirmed also that seed osmopriming improved seed germination performance, seedling growth and enhanced the CAT activities while reduced malonyldialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and electrolyte leakage (EL) in the drought-stressed seedlings. Seed priming have enhanced also the α-amylase and total proteases activities in all varieties. The largest increase of these hydrolysing enzymes was shown in ‘Ahmar’. Furthermore, the PEG priming lead to improvement of the weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve (WUSR), seed reserve depletion percentage (SRDP) and total seedling dry weight (SLDW) of sorghum seedlings under water stress conditions. Still, the highest values or all three parameters were found in the ‘Ahmar’ variety. Under increasing drought stress conditions, ‘Ahmar’ showed the highest yield stability index (YSI) and the least EL and MDA contents in comparison to the other two varieties during the seedling establishment stage. Therefore, the former variety can tolerate better a rigorous water stress condition. ‘Zaydia’ appears to be the most vulnerable to drought stress. Thus, the use of species or varieties with eminent seed metabolic quality is an advantageous trait in drought-prone regions.

Effects of PEG Priming and Fungicide Treatment on Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed Germination

Effects of PEG Priming and Fungicide Treatment on Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed Germination

Seed priming with polyethylene glycol regulating the physiological and molecular mechanism in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under nano-ZnO stress.

The present study was designed to highlight the impact of seed priming with polyethylene glycol on physiological and molecular mechanism of two cultivars of Oryza sativa L. under different levels of zinc oxide nanorods (0, 250, 500 and 750 mg L−1). Plant growth parameters were significantly increased in seed priming with 30% PEG under nano-ZnO stress in both cultivars. Whereas, this increase was more prominent in cultivar Qian You No. 1 as compared to cultivar Zhu Liang You 06. Significant increase in photosynthetic pigment with PEG priming under stress. Antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly reduced with PEG priming under nano-ZnO stress. Gene expression analysis also suggested that expression of APXa, APXb, CATa, CATb, CATc, SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3 genes were down regulated with PEG priming as compared to non-primed seeds under stress. The ultrastructural analysis showed that leaf mesophyll and root cells were significantly damaged under nano-ZnO stress in both cultivars but the damage was prominent in Zhu Liang You 06. However, seed priming with PEG significantly alleviate the toxic effects of nano-ZnO stress and improved the cell structures of leaf and roots in both cultivars.

Standardization of priming treatments for enhancement of seed germination and field emergence in carrot

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) seeds were subjected to solid matrix priming with moist vermiculite at 15°C and 20°C for 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Seeds were also osmoprimed at −0.5, -1.0 and -1.5 MPa potential for 2, 4 and 6 days. Solid matrix priming for 24 h registered significantly higher seed germination (85%) and speed of germination (14.45), while priming duration of 48 h gave minimum value for speed of germination. However, no significant differences in speed of germination were found at different temperatures. Solid matrix priming for 24 h at 20°C was optimum for obtaining maximum speed of germination (14.67) and vigour index I (821.5). With increase in priming duration from 2 to 6 days, there was significant decrease in germination. Osmopriming at −1.0 MPa PEG potential significantly improved speed of germination (7.07) and was at par to PEG priming at −0.5 MPa. Osmopriming for 2 days at −1.0 MPa PEG potential recorded maximum speed of germination (9.24) over all other treatment combinations. Osmopriming at −1.0 MPa and solid matrix priming for 24 h at 20°C improved germination and field emergence over control in carrot. Hence, osmopriming and solid matrix priming can be effectively employed for improved field performance in carrot.

Germination and field emergence in osmotic and solid matrix priming in onion (Allium cepa)

Solid matrix priming for 24 hr significantly improved seed germination (81.6%) as compared to 12 hr, 36 hr or 48 hr duration. A priming duration of 24 hr gave maximum speed of germination (16.95) while priming duration of 48 hr gave minimum value for speed of germination. No significant differences in speed of germination were found at different temperatures. The interaction effect of priming duration and temperature revealed that solid matrix priming for 24 hr at 20°C is optimum for obtaining maximum speed of germination (17.34). Maximum vigour index I (848.1) was obtained in solid matrix primed seeds for 24 hr duration at 20°C temperature. Osmopriming using PEG 6000 (–1.5MPa) significantly improved seed germination (78%). With increase in priming duration from 2 days to 6 days, there was significant decrease in germination. Osmopriming at –1.0 MPa PEG potential significantly improved speed of germination (7.78) as compared to –0.5 and –1.5MPa potential. The interaction effect of PEG potential and priming duration revealed that osmopriming for 2 days at –1.0 MPa PEG potential gave maximum speed of germination (8.35) over all other treatment combinations. Osmopriming using PEG 6000 (–1.0MPa for 2 days) improved germination by 14.3 percent and field emergence by 13 percent over control. Solid matrix priming for 24 hr at 20oC also improved germination by 13 percent and field emergence by 11.3 percent over control. These results indicate that osmopriming and solid matrix priming can be effectively employed to prime onion seeds for improved field performance.

한국잔디 종자의 발아특성과 발아율 향상을 위한 다양한 전처리 방법의 비교

Zoysiagrass seeds had low germination or lack of germination uniformity under natural condition. To improve the final germination percentage of zoysiagrass seeds, we investigated the methods of proper pre-treatment to enhance germination rate of zoysiagrass. Seeds were subjected to the testa scarification and four types of seed priming methods, namely, hydro priming (distilled water), osmotic priming (polyethylene glycol -0.5 MPa, -1.0MPa, -2.0 MPa), halo priming (Potassium nitrate 100 mM, 200 mM, 400 mM), and solid matrix priming (seed : microcel-E : distilled water = 4:1:8) with and without 25% KOH treatment in the testa. The scarification improved the germination rate and reduced the germination time. Osmotic priming (PEG -0.5 MPa) with scarification were significantly increased the seed germination rate and decreased MGT, and T 50 . Seed germination rate obtained by osmotic priming (PEG -0.5MPa) with scarification increased above 60% in comparison with natural condition. Conclusively, scarified and primed zoysiagrass seed germinated more rapidly and uniformly in the study. The present results suggested that PEG priming treatment with KOH treatment prior to sowing could improve germination percentage, and this method makes us establish the early zoysiagrasses in the field.

Drought resistance in rice seedlings conferred by seed priming

Seed priming is a method by which seeds are subjected to different stress conditions to impart stress adaptation in seedlings germinating and growing under stressful situations. Drought stress is a major reason behind failure of crops. We studied the effects of hydropriming, dehydration priming (induced by PEG), and osmopriming (induced by NaCl and KH(2)PO(4)) on subsequent germination, growth and anti-oxidant defense mechanisms of 2-week-old rice seedlings under continuing dehydration stress. Unprimed seeds grown in PEG showed significantly lower germination and growth along with significantly higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels. Among the priming methods, 5 % PEG priming was found to be the best in terms of germination and growth rate along with the lowest amount of ROS and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) values. MDA levels were reduced significantly by all of the priming methods. Hence, reduction of lipid peroxidation may be a key factor underlying the drought tolerance produced by the priming treatments. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity seemed to bear an excellent correlation with oxidative stress resistance through seed priming. The PEG priming produced minimum peroxidative damage and superior germination and growth rate along with efficient GPX activity, overexpressed MnSOD and maintenance of HSP70 expression in normal as well as in drought condition. Therefore, in PEG-primed seeds the existence of robust protective mechanisms is definitely indicated.

Effect of zinc sulphate and PEG priming on ageing seed germination and antioxidase activities of Perilla frutescens seedlings

To explore the method for improving the aging resistance of seeds and seedlings of Perilla frutescens through study on seed germination and physiological characteristics of P. frutescens seedlings. Several physiological indexes of P. frutescens seeds treated by different concentrations of ZnSO4 and PEG were measured. And other indexes like the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were also determined. The germination indexes of P. frutescens aging seeds treated by different concentrations of ZnSO4 and PEG were all increased. And the seeds that treated by ZnSO4 (600 mg x L(-1)) and PEG (20%) showed the most significantly increase in every index. The germination vigor were 64.7% and 66.8%, the germination rate were 78.7% and 79.4%, the germination index were 11.8 and 12.2, the vigor index were 0.091 1 and 0.0939 respectively. The content of MDA was decreased under different treatment. The activities of three enzymes include SOD, POD and CAT were increased by different treatment of ZnSO4 (0.28, 4.71, 3.82 U x mg(-1) respectively) and PEG (0.29, 4.93, 4.18 U x mg(-1) respectively). ZnSO4 with concentration of 600 mg x L(-1) and PEG with concentration of 20% could significantly alleviate the damages to the seeds and seedlings of P. frutescens by aging and promote the aging resistance of the seeds and seedlings.

Osmotic priming methodologies in relation to the physiological performance of rangpur lime seeds (Citrus limonia Osbeck)

Several mechanisms have been used to promote rapid germination of citrus seeds and uniform seedling emergence. We evaluated the effects of osmotic priming on the physiological performance of Rangpur lime seeds (Citrus limonia Osbeck). Seeds were treated with 30 g of Captan and 10 g of Tecto 600 in 20-litre batches and stored, without drying, at 10 ºC and 50% relative humidity for periods of 3, 6 and 9 months. After each period, seeds were primed at 25 ºC, in the light, by immersion in Poliethylenoglicol (PEG 6000), potassium nitrate (KNO3) and 70% PEG 6000 plus 30% KNO3, all at an osmotic potential of -1.1MPa, for priming periods of 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. Percentage germination, tray emergence and the emergence rate index (ERI) were evaluated. Priming in PEG 6000 solution, independent of priming period, or in KNO3 or PEG 6000 plus KNO3 for up to 9 days, were efficient at improving the physiological performance of seeds stored for up to 3 months. Osmotic priming appears to be a promising technique for improving the physiological quality of Rangpur lemon seeds.

Effect of PEG priming on plasma membrane H+-ATPase activities and mitochondrium function in soybean seeds

Effect of PEG priming on plasma membrane H+-ATPase activities and mitochondrium function in soybean seeds

SEED PRIMING INFLUENCES SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATO UNDER DIFFERENT SALINITY LEVELS

This study was conducted during the years of 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the green house and Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez CanalUniversity, Ismalia, Egypt.This experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed priming under different levels of salinity on seed germination, seedling growth and field behavior of tomato. Under laboratory conditions, low salinity level (1500 ppm) or un saline (control) recorded maximum values of germination percentage (GP%), germination performance index (GPT) and coefficient of velocity and minimum values of mean germination time (MGT) , uniformity germination and T50 % and tallest seedling. Maximum values of fresh and dry weight/ seedling, total carbohydrate, total phenol and peroxidase enzyme activity were also recorded under low salinity level. Seed priming in KCl was the superior treatment for enhancing GP%, GPI, coefficient of velocity, both fresh and dry weight with no significant differences with NaCl with respect to coefficient of velocity. Under green house conditions, low salinity at 1500 ppm significantly increased growth rate, leaf production per week, both fresh and dry weight as well as number of leaves / plant, concentration of chlorophyll a and b as well as carotenoides in leaf tissues of tomato compared with other treatments or control. Seed priming in PEG significantly increased growth rate, leaf production per week, both fresh and dry weight and number of leaves/ plant, concentration of chlorophyll a and b as well as carotenoides in leaf tissues of tomato. The interaction between seed priming and salinity levels showed a significant effect on seedling growth and chemical constituents of germinated seeds of tomato. This study was conducted during the years of 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the green house and Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez CanalUniversity, Ismalia, Egypt.This experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed priming under different levels of salinity on seed germination, seedling growth and field behavior of tomato. Under laboratory conditions, low salinity level (1500 ppm) or un saline (control) recorded maximum values of germination percentage (GP%), germination performance index (GPT) and coefficient of velocity and minimum values of mean germination time (MGT) , uniformity germination and T50 % and tallest seedling. Maximum values of fresh and dry weight/ seedling, total carbohydrate, total phenol and peroxidase enzyme activity were also recorded under low salinity level. Seed priming in KCl was the superior treatment for enhancing GP%, GPI, coefficient of velocity, both fresh and dry weight with no significant differences with NaCl with respect to coefficient of velocity. Under green house conditions, low salinity at 1500 ppm significantly increased growth rate, leaf production per week, both fresh and dry weight as well as number of leaves / plant, concentration of chlorophyll a and b as well as carotenoides in leaf tissues of tomato compared with other treatments or control. Seed priming in PEG significantly increased growth rate, leaf production per week, both fresh and dry weight and number of leaves/ plant, concentration of chlorophyll a and b as well as carotenoides in leaf tissues of tomato. The interaction between seed priming and salinity levels showed a significant effect on seedling growth and chemical constituents of germinated seeds of tomato.

Evaluation of the physiological quality of anadenenthera peregrina (L.) Speg. seeds during storage

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on the viability and vigour of A. peregrina seeds. Seeds of A. peregrina harvested in Viçosa-MG, in September 2005 were used. The seeds were stored in the Laboratory of Forest Seeds Analysis (LASF) of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), in a cold chamber, under approximately 5ºC over150 days. The seeds were stored under 20ºC for 150 days more. Seed moisture was determined after oven-drying at 105 ± 3ºC for 24 hours. The seeds were analyzed monthly using germination, tetrazolium and electrical conductivity tests and Osmopriming during 300 days, with four repetitions of 25 seeds. A. peregrina seeds kept a constant percentage of germination and viable seeds under the tetrazolium test for five months of storage, under either 5ºC and 20ºC. The electrical conductivity test showed significant differences in relation to the storage period, proving to be more sensitive than the standard germination test. Seed priming in PEG -0,4 MPa solution was not efficient in recovering the viability and vigor of the stored seeds at 5ºC and 20ºC.

Determination of the Best Temperature and Dry Condition in Carrot Primed-Seeds

Seed priming and drying condition effects were investigated immediately after seed-priming and 9 week after the storage. In this experiment, carrot seeds of 'Forto C.V.' were used. These seeds were individually primed for 10 days at 20 degrees C and in PEG (6000) (273 g L(-1)) and KNO3 (200 mmol) solutions. Then they were dried for 1 and 2 h at 15, 25 and 30 degrees C, respectively. One part of the seeds was stored at 5 degrees C in RH/45% For 9 week. Chemical priming effects, drying temperature as well as germination temperature on different traits especially germination percentage were significant. However, drying time had no significant effect on germination percentage after storage period. PEG priming and drying at 25 degrees C for 2 h provided the best condition for germination percentage. Using the best material for pre-priming, along with suitable drying management with appropriate quality and good conditions of the storage is important.

Germinação e vigor de sementes de cenoura osmocondicionadas em papel umedecido e solução aerada

Na cultura da cenoura são constantes os problemas relativos ao desempenho das sementes no campo, justificando-se o uso de técnicas que acelerem a germinação das sementes e a emergência das plântulas. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do condicionamento osmótico na germinação e no vigor de sementes de cenoura, utilizando-se dois métodos de embebição. Para tanto, sementes de dois lotes, cv. Brasília, foram condicionadas em soluções de PEG 6000 a -1,0 e -1,2 MPa por quatro e oito dias, a 20ºC, utilizando-se dois métodos: embebição em papel toalha umedecido com as respectivas soluções e imersão em soluções osmóticas aeradas. Sementes não condicionadas foram utilizadas como testemunha. Após, as sementes condicionadas ou não, foram avaliadas por meio dos testes: de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, emergência das plântulas em campo aos 10 e 25 dias após a semeadura e comprimento de raiz primária. Verificou-se que o condicionamento osmótico em PEG 6000 por quatro dias foi efetivo em aumentar a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação, bem como a emergência das plântulas em campo. Para o crescimento da raiz primária, o condicionamento osmótico em solução aerada em PEG 6000 a -1,2MPa foi superior ao tratamento em papel.

Germination and vigour of primed asparagus seeds

The osmotic conditioning or priming is considered a promising technique to speed up germination and to improve seed performance. Four seed lots of asparagus, Mary Washington cultivar, were primed at 25°C for seven or 14 days using PEG 6000 at -1.0 or -1.2 MPa, or sea water at -3.3 MPa; or for three days in distilled water. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by standard germination, first count germination, speed of seedling emergence, and germination percentage and seedling fresh and dry weights after controlled deterioration test. Primed seeds presented higher germination speed, independently of their initial physiological quality. Beneficial effects of priming on germination and vigour were more expressive in the seed lot of low physiological quality. Priming in PEG 6000 at -1.0 MPa for 14 days was the most beneficial treatment to improve asparagus seeds performance.

The control of the annual growth cycle in raspberry

SummaryPriming treatments (osmoconditioning), which can considerably improve seed germination performance, are widely applied by seed companies to increase the rate and uniformity of seedling establishment of commercial vegetable and flower seeds. Advancement of embryonic root tip cells into S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, as measured by the increase in the percentage of nuclei showing a 4C DNA content, has been observed to occur after osmoconditioning of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds. Here we report the relationship between osmoconditioning effects and the activation of DNA replication as well as the accumulation of p-tubulin, a constitutive element of microtubules, in the embryo root tips during priming in PEG 6000 solutions, at the osmotic potentials of ‒1.1 and ‒1.5 MPa. With dry seeds, flow cytometric profiles indicated that most of the cells were arrested at Gi phase of the cell cycle while β-tubulin was not detectable on western blots. During priming, β-tubulin appeared to be synthesized de novo and its accumulation preceded DNA replication. Within each priming condition, the time courses and amounts of DNA replication and p-tubulin accumulation were found to correlate with improved seed germination performance. Their potential use as molecular markers for discriminating a priori priming effectiveness is discussed.