Priming Treatments Research Articles

Determination of the Efficiency of Moringa Leaf Extract Treatments on Seedling Vigor in Marigold

The effect of different planting depths on emergence characteristics was investigated in this study carried out using seeds of Marigold (Tagetes patula) collected from nature. In addition, the most effective dose that can be used in priming treatments was tried to be determined by examining the effects of moringa leaf extract treatments applied at different doses in terms of emergence rate, emergence time, survival seedling rate, true leaf emergence time, emergence speed index, coefficient of velocity of emergence and vigor index values. After the T test, it was determined that different planting depth treatments created statistically significant differences especially in the survival seedling rate. It has been observed that the fact that the planting is exposed causes an increase in the survival seedlings rate. In addition, following hydropriming and moringa treatments, the highest seedling emergence rate at both planting depths was achieved with hydropriming and moringa leaf extract (4 g L-1) treatment. Moreover, moringa leaf extract (8 g L-1) treatments exhibited the earliest emergence compared to other treatments. All treatment groups were statistically different compared to the control group in terms of emergence speed index, coefficient of velocity of emergence and vigor index values in both planting depths, and HP and M3 treatments were the treatment groups that gave the best results. As a result of the study, it has been determined that surface sowing can be recommended in marigold cultivation and moringa treatments improve the emergence characteristics.

L-Glutamate Seed Priming Enhances 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline Formation in Fragrant Rice Seedlings in Response to Arsenite Stress.

2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) is a fragrance compound and flavor in fragrant rice whose precursors are generally glutamate (Glu) and proline (Pro). Our previous study revealed that exogenous Glu enhanced the arsenic (As) tolerance in fragrant rice by improving the ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle and the Pro content in roots. However, less is known about how Glu is involved in 2-AP biosynthesis in fragrant rice under As stress. Herein, a hydroponic experiment of L-Glu seed priming with 0, 100, and 500 μM l-glutamic acid solutions was conducted with two fragrant rice varieties. After that, the 10-day-old seedlings were cultured under 0 and 100 μM arsenite stress for 10 d. Results showed that the 2-AP and Pro contents were increased by 18-30% and 21-78% under As100 μM-Glu100 μM treatment in comparison to the control As100 μM to Glu0 μM, while the activities of pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) were increased by 19-46% and 3-19%, respectively. Furthermore, the 2-AP, Pro contents, and P5CS activity were correlated positively. Correspondingly, a significant abundance of differential expressed metabolites (18) and differential expressed genes (26) was observed in amino acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways. In addition, several essential genes were verified and grouped into the pathways of glutathione metabolism, proline, and arginine metabolism with antioxidant defense system to comodulate 2-AP biosynthesis and stress detoxification. Therefore, the Glu seed priming treatment had a positive impact on the 2-AP biosynthesis of fragrant rice under 100 μM arsenite toxicity.

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Germination Traits by Hydro-and Microwave Priming

To study the effects of hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves (MW) on the germination traits of maize (Zea mays L.), a laboratory pot experiment was carried out in 2023. The selected seed treatments were hydropriming with distilled water (0, 6, and 12 h) and microwave priming (0, 10, and 20 s) of the maize seeds. Studied traits were final germination percentage (FPG%), mean germination time (MGT), germination rate index (GRI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), mean daily germination (MDG), peak value (PV), and Germination value (GV). According to the variance analysis of this study, the results indicated that both the priming treatments, hydro and MW, significantly affected all studied traits. The best values for FGP (88.88, 78.99%), MGT (4.07, 4.72 day), GRI (25.08, 21.46 % day-1), CVG (25.79, 23.86), MDG (7.4, 6.66 seed day-1), PV (1.9, 1.64), and GV (14.6, 12.19) were observed in priming with 10 s MW and 12 h hydro, respectively. The combination of hydro and MW priming also showed a significant effect for all traits, except FGP and MDG. Among the combination treatments, MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h were the most effective in improving MGT (3.17 days), GRI (33.27 % day-1), CVG (31.62), PV (2.55), and GV (21.23). In contrast, the interaction between priming treatments had no significant effect on FGP or MDG. However, the MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h resulted in a higher FGP (100%) and MDG (8.33 days). Overall, the findings suggest that hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves is a promising technique for improving maize germination.

Economic feasibility of carrot (Daucus carota L) production in response to different seed priming techniques under deficit irrigation

The production and productivity of carrots can be significantly influenced by factors such as poor quality seed quality, lack of pre-sowing seed treatments, and improper irrigation management. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of various seed priming techniques on the early establishment, growth, and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L., Nantes variety) under different irrigation intervals in Gerado, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Four seed priming treatments (no priming, hydro priming with distilled water, halo priming with potassium nitrate, and hormonal priming with gibberellic acid) were combined with three irrigation intervals (4, 7, and 10 days). The experiment followed a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement, consisting of three replications. The main plots were assigned to the irrigation intervals, while the subplots were assigned to the seed priming techniques. The results showed that the interaction between priming techniques and irrigation intervals had a significant impact on yield parameters. Distilled water treatment under both the 7-day and 10-day irrigation intervals resulted in the highest marketable carrot root yields, reaching 33.73 tons per hectare and 30.63 tons per hectare, respectively. Furthermore, the combination of distilled water treatment and a 7-day irrigation interval showed the highest net benefit for carrot production (858,476.21 birr/15,579.42 USD). This treatment combination also demonstrated the highest marginal rate of return (4255.80 %), making it a recommended approach for economically viable carrot production in the study area and similar agro-ecological contexts.

Optimization of Seed Priming Techniques for Seed Enhancement in Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Seed invigoration treatments are crucial for enhancing germination and seedling growth, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. Various techniques, such as hydropriming, seed hardening, osmopriming, and pre-sowing dry heat treatments have been proved to improve seed quality. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop, however, its area is now confined to specific niches and therefore any efforts to increase its production and bring back its glory are highly welcome. Sunflower crop is highly susceptible to environmental stresses further limiting its cultivation. Hence identification and standardization of suitable techniques to improve the germination capacity and planting value of sunflower especially under stress conditions is the need of the hour. The present study is taken up in aged and fresh seeds of two sunflower hybrids viz., DRSH-1 and GK-2002 to standardize hydropriming, thermo priming and pre-chilling treatments so as to the enhance planting value when sown under sub optimal conditions. It was found that hydropriming for 16 hrs, thermopriming for 6hrs at 35oC and pre chilling for 7 days at 10oC showed highest improvement in the seed quality parameters like germination percentage, seedling vigour indices I and II, field emergence and speed of germination. These findings offer promising avenues for improving seed quality and viability in sunflower.

Effect of different chemical priming agents on physiological and morphological characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The research was conducted following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to investigate the effects of seed priming using various chemical treatments on the germination and growth parameters of two rice cultivars, BRRI Dhan-66 and IR 80991-B-330-U-1. Ten different priming agents, including H3BO3, CaCO3, CuSO4, DAP, FeCl2, MoP, PEG (5 %), PEG (10 %), Urea, and ZnSO4, were applied to treat the seeds, each treatment being replicated three times. A control group underwent hydro-priming. The seeds were soaked in the treatments for 24 h. After the priming treatments, the seeds were subjected to a redrying process at a temperature of 26 ± 2 °C until they regained their original weight before being transplanted onto blotting paper. Germination parameters such as germination percentage, germination speed, germination energy, and vigor index were recorded for seven consecutive days. Growth parameters including root length, shoot length, fresh seedling weight, and dry seedling weight were measured at 10, 20, and 30 days after sowing. The results indicate significant variations among the treatments for germination parameters (p ≤ 0.001). Similarly, significant variations were observed in growth parameters, including shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight (p ≤ 0.001). Among the rice varieties, BRRI Dhan-66 exhibited better results for germination percentage (81.58 %), germination speed (62.78 %), germination energy (52.06 %), vigor index (1312), fresh weight (0.807g), and dry weight of seedlings (0.053g). In contrast, the FeCl2 treatment showed the best results, inducing respective increases of 25.19 %, 93.35 %, 94.95 %, and 29.07 % for germination percentage, speed, energy, and vigor index compared to the control, respectively. For growth parameters, the DAP and CuSO4 treatments demonstrated better results. Our findings highlight that improved germination of primed rice seedlings is associated with germination energy, speed, vigor index, and the fresh weight of the seedlings. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed there is significant positive correlation between germination percentage, speed, energy and vigor index but the strongest correlation exists between germination speed and germination energy (R = 0.94***) followed by germination percentage and vigor index (R = 0.92***). Based on our findings, we propose that seed priming significantly enhances rice seedlings' germination and growth parameters. BRRI Dhan-66, along with seed treatment using FeCl2, can be effectively employed to achieve improved germination and growth in rice cultivation.

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF CHINCHA PATRA NALIKERA POTTALI SWEDANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATA KAPHAJA GRIDHRASI

Swedana is an important aspect of Panchakarma which helps to liquify the vitiated Doshas that have spread throughout the microchannels of the body. Swedana Karma is a Poorva Karma as well as a Pradhana Karma for the treatment of various diseases. Acharya Charaka mentioned Swedana Karma as one among the Sha-dupakrama and as the prime treatment modality for various diseases, especially in Vata and Kapha dominant conditions. Pinda Sweda is one among the 13 types of Saagni Sweda as explained by Acharya Charaka and Pinda Sweda is a type of Ushma Sweda according to Astanga Sangraha. Chincha Patra Nalikera Pottali Swedana is a type of Rooksha- Snigdha Sweda and a form of Ushma Sweda. The treatment procedures men-tioned in classics for Gridhrasi include Snehana, Swedana, Virechana, Basti and Agnikarma. Among these in Vata Kaphaja Gridhrasi, Swedana is explained as one of the major treatment modalities as per Chakradatta and Gadanigraha.

Repetition Priming Treatment for Anomia: Effects of Single- and Multiple-Exemplar Protocols.

Repetition priming can lead to improved naming ability in people with aphasia, but concerns have arisen from prior research about using only a single picture exemplar for each target. Specifically, it is unclear whether the observed improvements were due to learning simple correspondences between particular words and pictures rather than changes at a deeper level of lexical-semantic processing. In addition, implications for generalization after training with single exemplars were unclear. This study replicated and extended previous work to address these questions. Five participants with chronic aphasia participated in this repeated-measures design study, which repeatedly paired words and pictures with no feedback provided. Two participants engaged in a single-exemplar condition, with a single picture exemplar of each target used for every presentation of that target. The remaining three participants engaged in a multiple-exemplar condition, with several different pictures used for each target. Half of these targets used training pictures during naming probes, whereas half did not. Primed items led to greater improvements in naming than items that were practiced but not primed. The data indicate that improvements may extend beyond stimulus-specific correspondences. Maintenance and generalization effects were mixed. These data provide further support for the efficacy of repetition priming treatment for anomia. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Influence of Seed Storage and Priming on Naturally Aged Seeds of Aromatic Joha Rice

Joha is a fine grain aromatic rice of Assam, well known in the world market. This rice is protected and tagged as a geographical indication. This study evaluated priming effects on naturally aged seeds of two varieties, Kon Joha and Keteki Joha, after 0, 3, 6 and nine months of storage under ambient conditions. Seeds were hydro-primed, osmo-primed with 5% and 10% PEG, halo primed with 1% and 2% KCl and primed with 5 ppm and 10 ppm GA3 for 12 and 24 hours. Seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length and dry weight, seed vigour index, field emergence, seed reserve utilization rate, seed reserve use efficiency, seed reserve depletion percentage, and biochemical parameters like electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation and α-amylase were observed. Seed quality was gradually deteriorating due to ageing over the storage period. The rate of deterioration was faster for seedling vigour traits than germination parameters. There was a varietal difference in the rate of deterioration; it was slower in Kon Joha, an indigenous variety which also showed dormancy. The priming treatments were able to ameliorate the effect of seed ageing on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical parameters in Kon Joha. Treatments with 1% KCl, 10 ppm GA3 and 5% PEG enhanced the germination parameters and vigour indicators. KCl (1%) priming was the best priming agent; 24 hours of priming for all agents was better than 12 hours.

Trends in Seed Priming Research in the Past 30 Years Based on Bibliometric Analysis.

Seed priming (SP) treatments are widely used in agriculture and restoration to improve seed germination and seedling vigor. Although there exists a considerable amount of scientific literature on SP, it has seldom undergone visual and quantitative analyses. To gain insights into the patterns observed in SP research over the last three decades, we conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) database, aiming to minimize the similarity score in plagiarism detection. This analysis offers a thorough examination of yearly publications, temporal patterns in keyword usage, the top-performing journals, authors, institutions, and countries within the field of SP. Our research findings suggest a steady annual increase of 10.59% in the volume of SP publications, accompanied by a significant upward trajectory in the average citations received per paper annually. According to the analysis of keywords, it was found that "priming" and "germination" emerged as the most frequently used terms in the field of SP research. Seed Science and Technology ranked first among the top journals, and Plant Physiology had greater influence in the field of SP in terms of number of citations. The majority of the top 10 productive institutions were situated in developing countries. In addition, these nations exhibited the highest volume of published works and citations. Our analysis revealed a shift in research focus within the field of SP over the past three decades, transitioning from agricultural science to encompass plant science and environmental science. With the growing recognition of SP's research across different disciplines, there exist abundant prospects for international and interdisciplinary partnerships, collaborative organizations, and progress in this field.

Alleviating Impact of PEG Induced Drought Stress on Maize Seed Germination and Vigour with Effective Seed Priming Agents

Background: Drought stress poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, particularly in regions with limited water availability. Maize, a staple crop worldwide, is highly susceptible to drought stress, leading to reduced seed germination, stunted growth and ultimately diminished yields. Addressing this issue, in this study various phytohormones and polyamines were used as priming agents for seeds to evaluate its performance to mitigate drought stress in maize seed germination and vigour. It plays crucial roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as responses to various environmental stresses, including drought. These hormones modulate physiological and biochemical processes, leading to adaptive changes that helps maize plants to cope with water scarcity. Methods: The experiment was conducted by exposing maize seeds primed with different phytohormones and polyamines in optimum along with non primed seeds (control) to various levels of PEG concentration ranging from -0.2 MPa to -1.0 MPa for creating drought stress. Primed seeds subjected to a germination test. The seedling growth parameters and seed vigour were evaluated to analyse better performing seed priming treatment to mitigate drought stress. Result: From the experiment it is concluded that increase in concentration of PEG (from -0.2 Mpa to -1.0 MPa) decreased the seed germination and seed vigour traits in maize. Among seed priming treatments, seeds primed with melatonin 150 µM showed greater performance seedling vigour and its related traits even under water deficit stress condition. In conclusion, seed priming with melatonin exhibited superior efficacy in mitigating drought stress in maize. This finding highlights the potential of melatonin as a promising seed priming agent for enhancing drought tolerance in maize seeds. As seed priming is simple, easy and cost effective method, farmers can use this technology as one of their practice to eliminate the effect of drought stress in maize crop.

Enhancing Germination and Seedling Vigour of Interspecific F1 Hybrid Chilli Seeds through Priming with KNO3 and GA3

India is called a home for spices and also involved in the export. Chilli is an indispensable spice, essentially used in every Indian cuisine due to its pungency, taste, appealing odour and flavour. Quality seed is a key component for the successful agriculture, where the main objective is each seed should germinate and produce a vigorous seedling which ensures higher seed yield, productivity and also better storability to achieve good yield in the coming season. To achieve all the above said traits, the seed technologists have developed seed enhancement techniques. Seed enhancement techniques are post-harvest treatment of seeds to enhance the seed germination and seedling growth by facilitating the delivery of seeds with other materials at sowing time. This enhancement technique includes hydration treatments like seed priming and seed encapsulation like seed pelleting, which impacts significantly on seedling emergence and establishment. In this experiment study was conducted different priming treatments, seeds primed with KNO3 @ 1%, 2% and 3% and seeds primed with GA3 @ 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm, the seeds treated with KNO3 @ 1% showed highest germination percentage, root, shoot, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index I and II which was followed by GA3 @ 50 ppm. Acknowledge of proper priming techniques in order to improve the germination in the seeds.

Efektivitas Priming pada Benih Jagung dalam Memperbaiki Perkecambahan pada Media Masam

The high Aluminum content in Ultisol soil is one of the main problems in maize cultivation starting from the germination phase to plant growth. Priming treatment on seeds is believed to be able to improve germination in a less favorable environment. The study was conducted to determine the effect of priming on the germination of corn seeds germinated in acid media containing aluminum. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which was repeated four times. There were 8 treatments in this study, namely control/without priming, water priming, KNO3 0.1%, and 0.5, PEG-6000 5% and 10%, GA3 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The data were analyzed for variance and continued with a 5% LSD test using the R Studio statistic program. The results showed that 50 ppm GA3 priming was the best treatment for increasing corn seed vigor based on the variables of time of radicle emergence, time of emergence of plumules, growth speed, growth synchronously, vigor index, root length, coleoptile length, wet weight of normal sprouts, and dry weight of normal sprouts. Keywords:priming, corn, germination

Seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles improves yield and antioxidant status of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown under drought stress

Pisum sativum L. grown in hot, dry environments suffers from significant yield losses that can be reduced by cost-effective and smart agriculture practices such as nanopriming. The goal of the current study was to better understand iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) potential effects on pea plants under drought stress. For 12 h, pea plant seeds were immersed in FeO-NPs aerated solutions (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). As a control, seeds were steeped in water. The experiment was conducted in an open field setting using a split-plot factorial design, with one main plot divided into two subplots representing drought and well-irrigated situations. The seeds were then sown in both of the subplots in five rows, one row for each treatment. The growth, biochemical, and yield parameters under study were significantly impacted by drought stress. All the seed priming treatments significantly enhanced the performance of garden pea plants under drought stress; however, the 75 ppm treatment was found to be the most effective among all. The drought-affected pea plants' root length increased by 38 % and their number of leaves increased by 24 % compared to control after being seed primed with FeO-NPs (75 ppm). The same treatment reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in the water-stressed pea plants by 35 % and 52 %, respectively compared to control. FeO-NPs (75 ppm) seed priming increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 13 % and 38 %, respectively (compared to control), allowing the plant to resist oxidative damage. The pea plants were able to produce a higher yield compared to the control due to changes in biochemical characteristics and the build-up of osmolytes such as proline and total soluble sugars. The current study suggests using seed priming with FeO-NPs to reduce production losses brought on by drought in pea plants.

Potassium Nitrate and Ascorbic Acid Priming Improved Tissue Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Sprouts.

Potassium nitrate (KNO3) and ascorbic acid (AsA) priming can effectively boost biomass accumulation and nutritional value of plants; nevertheless, few studies investigated their effects on seed sprouting. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of KNO3 and AsA priming on linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) sprout growth and assess the changes in bioactive compound levels, which provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of these priming treatments on sprout quality and nutritional value. To this end, germination, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, and mineral profiles in the primed sprouts were evaluated. Moreover, to assess the impact on biological value, we determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the treated sprout extract. A marked enhancement was observed in germination and pigment levels of KNO3- and AsA-primed sprouts. These increases were in line with induced primary metabolites (e.g., carbohydrate and amino acid contents), particularly under KNO3 treatment. There was also an increase in amino acid metabolism (e.g., increased GS, GDH, and GOGAT enzyme activities), nitrogen level, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity. The linseed sprouts primed with AsA exhibited strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Consistently, high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, total AsA, and tocopherols, as well as improved activity of antioxidant enzymes [peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], were recorded. This study proposes KNO3 and AsA priming as an innovative approach to improving the nutritional and health-promoting properties of linseed sprouts. This knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of the biochemical processes involved in improving the nutritional quality and functional benefits of linseed sprouts.

Improving the resilience of rice seedlings to low temperature stress through seed priming

To feed the ever-growing worldwide population, rice production in all the three (fall, winter and summer) seasons has become essential. With the increase in global climatic change, the occurrence of low temperature stress in winter particularly at seed germination stage is becoming more intense is posing a greater challenge to rice production worldwide including India. A more effective method to improve rice seed germination under low temperature stress is seed priming. The goal of the current study was to determine how different chemicals can withstand low temperatures stress through seed priming. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations (two genotypes and eight seed priming treatments) which were laid out in a 2 factorial CRD. Among the different seed priming treatments imposed, the seeds primed with salicylic acid (0.5 mM) recorded significantly higher seed germination (92.3% and 93%), seedling length (24 cm), seedling dry weight (150 mg) and seedling vigour index-Ⅰ (2239) and vigour index-Ⅱ (13,996) and better stress related enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) compared to other treatments during seed germination under low temperature stress.

Melatonin seed priming improves growth and physio-biochemical aspects of Zinnia elegans under salt stress

Salt stress is a major abiotic aspect that inhibits plant development, growth, and productivity of ornamental plants. In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in seed priming and biological treatments for salt stress mitigation in plants. Melatonin (MLT) is a versatile signaling molecule detected in higher plants. Its function is involved in various signaling and physiological processes, particularly under severe environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of different levels of MLT (0, 1, 10, 20 μM) primed zinnia plants (Zinnia elegans cv. ‘Super Yoga’) under salt stress (100 mM NaCl). Salt stress exposure reduced growth and physiological variables and increased oxidative stress, recorded as a rise in stress markers. The results showed that seed priming with MLT improved morphological characteristics of zinnia, such as shoot and root length, shoot diameter, leaf length, root collar diameter, number of roots, root fresh, and dry weight. MLT based seed priming also increased photosynthesis pigments and reduced salt induced oxidative damage by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (i.e. superoxide dismutase-SOD, peroxidase-POD, and catalase-CAT). The reduction in oxidative stress was recorded as decrease in electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Primed plants also showed significant increase in the osmoprotectants proline and glycine betaine, as compared to the non-primed salt stress plants. Exposure of plants to salt stress lead to an increase in sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) contents in plant tissues in the non-primed plants. However, priming with MLT reduced the uptake of Na+ and improved the uptake of K+ in the leaves of zinnia. Overall, these results provided evidence that MLT seed priming may ameliorate the ill effects of salt-induced oxidative stress in zinnia plants.

Optimizing Priming Concentration and Duration of PEG 6000 for Improving Seed Germination and Vigour in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study was undertaken with different concentration and duration of PEG-6000 to observe the effect of germination and seedling vigour in chickpea seeds. The experiment was conducted in seed testing laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India during 2020-2021 following Complete Randomized Block Design with three replications in order to standardize the appropriate concentration and duration while soaking the seeds within PEG-6000 solution for screening a range of duration concentrations viz, 10 g liter-1 for 6 hrs, 10 g liter-1 for 8 hrs, 10 g liter-1 for 10 hrs, 15 g liter-1 for 6 hrs , 15 g liter-1 for 8 hrs, 15 g liter-1 for 10 hrs, 20 g liter-1 for 6 hrs, 20 g liter-1 for 8 hrs, 20 g liter-1 for 10 hrs, 25 g liter-1 for 6 hrs, 25 g liter-1 for 8 hrs, 25 g liter-1 for 10 hrs. Untreated dry seeds were considered as control. It was found that all the priming treatments showed significance difference in overall including the control. The best performer or the better result was shown by T8 which is 20 gm/ liter solution with the soaking duration of 8 hrs. It was highest performer in germination percentage (93.77), root length (6.57 cm), shoot length (16.57 cm), seedling fresh weight (1.66 g), seedling dry weight (0.14 g), seedling vigour index I (2137.07), time to 50% germination (2.33 days) and germination index (77.82). This study showed that seed priming with osmotic solution could improve some seedling parameters in chickpea. In seed priming, its simplicity such as no requirements for extensive equipment and chemicals could be used method for overcoming problems related to a poor germination and further seedling establishment and helps in sustaining agriculture with a cost effective approach and with the help of seed priming treatments which are non-toxic and from eco-friendly sources.

Effect of Seed Priming on Germination and Initial Growth of China Aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] Varieties

The present investigation was carried out at Floriculture Research Farm, ACHF, NAU, Navsari during August-November, 2019 in CRD with factorial concept with three replications comprising two varieties and twelve different seed priming treatments. The findings revealed that significantly maximum speed of germination (24.45), germination percentage at 7th and 14th day (71.50 and 90.00, respectively), root length (6.63 cm), seedling length (17.70 cm), seedling fresh and dry weight (1618.00 mg and 141.33 mg, respectively), seed vigour index-I and II (1627.62 and 10082.00, respectively) was recorded in seeds of var Arka Archana primed with GA3 @ 100 ppm for 24 hrs (V1T5) followed by GA3 50 ppm for 24 hrs. Whereas, rest of all the characters were found non-significant but maximum shoot length (11.07 cm), minimum mean germination time (13.67 days) and days required to reach the 5th leaf stage (29.60) were obtained in same treatment (V1T5). Moreover, poor performance was recorded in seeds of var Arka Kamini treated with Nauroji Novel organic liquid fertilizer @ 2 % for 24 hrs (V2T12).

Efficacy of Seed Priming Technique on Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Salt Stress in Oryza sativa

Salinity stress limits agricultural productivity by adversely affecting seed germination and seedling growth. It negatively impacts essential metabolic processes by imposing osmotic and oxidative stress due to ion toxicity. Seed priming is an innovative approach that can ensure seed germination and seedling establishment for ameliorating salinity stress in plants. In this study, response of two popular rice cultivars, PB 1121 and PB 1718 to various priming treatments was evaluated under salt stress. Out of the two, cultivar PB 1718 performed better and showed improved germination, and plant growth when given a priming treatment with Salicylic acid (1mM), KNO3 (1%), Moringa leaf extract (100%) and Neem leaf extract (50%) under salt stress of NaCl (150 mM). In cultivar PB 1121, no significant change was seen in germination indices under salt stress as compared to control. However, Salicylic acid (1mM), KNO3 (1%), Proline (50mM), Moringa leaf extract (100%), MgSO4 (10mM) and Neem leaf extract (50%) treatments resulted in improved root growth.