Solid Matrix Priming Research Articles

Effects of solid matrix priming (SMP) and salt stress on broccoli and cauliflower seed germination and early seedling growth

Salt stress affects seed germination and seedling growth. In this study, the effects of solid matrix priming (SMP) and salt stress on broccoli and cauliflower seed germination and early seedling growth were investigated. Physiological and biochemical changes in broccoli and cauliflower seeds and seedlings after the SMP and/or salt stress treatment were determined. Broccoli seeds were primed by mixing the seeds with vermiculite and H2O at a ratio of 1:1.5:2 (w/w/v) followed by two days incubation at 15 °C in the dark. Cauliflower seeds were primed by mixing the seeds with vermiculite and H2O at a ratio of 1:1.5:1 (w/w/v) followed by two days incubation at 20 °C in the dark. The primed and non-primed seeds were air-dried and then germinated on filter papers pre-wetted with H2O containing 0, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mM NaCl. The results showed that, without SMP treatment, the seed germination vigor (GV), germination index (GI) and vitality index (VI) were all inhibited and the mean germination time (MGT) was increased after the treatment with 100, 150 or 200 mM NaCl. The results also showed that the negative effects caused by the salt stress could be alleviated by the SMP treatment. The primed broccoli and cauliflower seeds showed an increase of GV, GI and VI compared with the non-primed seeds under the non-stressed or salt-stressed conditions. In addition, our result showed that the SMP treatment increased the activities of peroxidase and catalase, and the contents of proline, soluble sugar and soluble protein in both broccoli and cauliflower seedlings. We consider that the SMP treatment is useful approach for the improvement of broccoli and cauliflower seed germination and seedling establishment.

Impact of sugar beet seed priming on seed quality and performance under diversified environmental conditions of germination, emergence and growth

In the presented work attempts have been made to explore effectiveness of the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seeds priming process in relation to seed quality and environmental conditions. This study was conducted in three different field stations in the years 2013–2015 using two lots of sugar beet seeds of the variety Janosik that differed in their level of vigour. In the laboratory and phytotron experiments, pelleted and non-pelleted seeds were used while in the field experiments only pelleted seeds were used. Seed priming was carried out using two patented technologies based on the solid matrix priming method. The results of this study indicate that pelleting can reduce both seed viability and rate of germination, especially in the early stages. Both priming methods positively influenced seed germination ability and speed. The efficiency of priming was higher in seeds with lower vigour than those with higher vigour. It follows that priming seeds, especially those with lower vigour is particularly efficient. As a result, seed loss during treatment can be reduced. The obtained data indicate that priming reduces the differences in germination and the course of emergence caused by different levels of seed vigour and germination conditions. The higher vigour of seeds caused by priming was associated with the acceleration of leaf development and the increase in plant dry matter during the growing season. As a result, seed priming contributes to a significant increase in the technological yield of sugar. It should also be noted that the average weight of single root is less variable during harvesting.

Seed priming: An approach towards agricultural sustainability

Seed priming is controlled hydration of seeds to a level that allow pre-germinative metabolic activity to continue, but interrupt the emergence of the radicle. Seed priming improves seed performance, ensures uniformity and better establishment, enhances the yield in diverse environments, greater tolerance to environmental stress and helps to overcome dormancy. Change in seed water content, cell cycle regulation, modification of seed ultrastructure, management of oxidative stress and reserve mobilization are the major physiological and biochemical changes takes places during seed priming. Priming methods adopted should be simple and affordable for its easy spread and adaptability. Seed priming should be influenced by factors such as light, aeration, temperature, time and seed quality. Different methods of priming are hydropriming, osmopriming, halopriming, solid matrix priming, biopriming and hormonal priming. Seed priming had significant effect on agriculture. It will hasten and synchronize the germination, enhances the plant growth, have better stress resistance, increase the use efficiency of nutrients and water and have better weed suppression effect. The review paper discusses about seed priming, physiological and biochemical changes in seed priming, different methods of seed priming and its role in sustainable agriculture.

Inducing rapid seed germination of native cool season grasses with solid matrix priming and seed extrusion technology.

There is a need to develop effective techniques for establishing native vegetation in dryland ecosystems. We developed a novel treatment that primes (hydrates) seeds in a matrix of absorbent materials and bio-stimulants and then forms the mixture into pods for planting. In the development process, we determined optimal conditions for priming seeds and then compared seedling emergence from non-treated seeds, non-primed-seed pods, and primed-seed pods. Emergence trials were conducted on soils collected from a hillslope and ridgetop location on the Kaibab Plateau, Arizona, USA. Poa fendleriana and Pseudoroegneria spicata were used as test species. Seeds were primed from -0.5 to -2.5 MPa for up to 12 d. Seeds primed under drier conditions (-1.5 to -2.5 MPa) tended to have quicker germination. Days to 50% emergence for primed-seed pods was between 66.2 to 82.4% faster (5.2 to 14.5 d fewer) than non-treated seeds. Seedling emergence from primed-seed pods for P. fendleriana was 3.8-fold higher than non-treated seeds on the ridgetop soil, but no difference was found on the other soil. Final density of P. spicata primed-seed pods were 2.9 to 3.8-fold higher than non-treated seeds. Overall, primed-seed pods show promise for enhancing germination and seedling emergence, which could aid in native plant establishment.

Application of solid matrix priming to ameliorate salinity stress in mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Application of solid matrix priming to ameliorate salinity stress in mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Solid Matrix Priming Treatment with O2 Enhanced Quality of Leek Seed Lots

This study aims to determine the effect of solid matrix priming (SMP) treatment with an air composition of O2, N2, air, vacuum on four leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.) seed lots of various ages, in terms of enhancing germination, mean germination time, electrical conductivity of solute leakage and catalase activity. Untreated seeds were used as control. Solid matrix priming at a seed: vermiculite: water ratio of 2.5:1.25:3.75 (w/w/w) was applied at 20 °C for 24 hours in the dark. Solid matrix priming with O2 was found to give the highest germination, lowest mean germination time, lowest electrical conductivity (reduced solute leakage) and the highest catalase activity among all treatments and lots. SMP treatment with air provided positive response, while N2 and vacuum treatments were found to be less effective. The advantages of solid matrix priming were more pronounced in lower quality lot than in the higher quality ones. The results indicated that oxygen enrichment in SMP may enhance leek seed quality.

ROLE OF SEED PRIMING TO ENHANCE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CROP PLANTS AGAINST BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC STRESSES

Abiotic and biotic stresses severely affect the crop’s growth and development at every stage of growth cycle. Seed priming is helpful technique to enhance seed germination and growth in stress environment. Seed priming is a control procedure followed by re-drying which will allow the seed to imbibe water stimulate the internal biological process essential for germination but this process will not permit the seed to be truly germinate. Currently many seed priming method have been used like hydro-priming, osmo-priming, halo-priming, thermo-priming, bio-priming and solid matrix priming. Various studies confirmed that seed priming has several advantages including, early emergence high water use efficiency, stand establishment, deeper roots germination in broad range of temperature and resistance against disease and environmental stresses.

English

The effects of solid matrix priming with strain T22 of Trichoderma harzianum on seed germination, seedling emergence and photosynthetic capacity in two eggplant varieties were evaluated. Seed were primed by mixing with vermiculite and the T. harzianum wettable powder (WP) suspension at a rate of 1:3:3.2 (fresh weigh basis, respectively) at 15°C for 7 days in the dark, then primed seed were dried. Solid matrix priming (SMP) with T. harzianum increased seed germination vigor, germination index and seedling emergence, decreased mean emergence time, enhanced seedlings quality and photosynthetic characteristics of eggplant. The result indicates that SMP with T. harzianum could serve as an effective way to improve seeds germination and seedling emergence and promote plant growth of eggplant. Key words: Solid matrix priming, Trichoderma harzianum, germination, seedling vigor, photosynthetic capacity, eggplant.

Studies on solid matrix priming of seeds in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of solid matrix priming of seeds on emergence (%), growth and fruit yield characters of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) cultivar ‘Solan Hara’. The Experiment comprised of two vigour groups of seeds viz., ‘V1’ (High vigour seeds) and ‘V2’ (72 hours accelerated aged seeds/low vigour seeds) and five seed priming treatments viz., ‘P1’ (Solid matrix priming with Cocopeat), ‘P2’ (Solid matrix priming with Perlite), ‘P3’ (Solid matrix priming with Vermiculite), ‘P4’ (Seed soaking in water), ‘P5’ (Control -Without treatment).Investigation proved that low vigour seeds were inferior in respect of high vigour seeds in terms of seed physiological quality, emergence, growth and yield characteristics. Seed priming with Perlite for 72 hours proved its potential over other priming treatments, seed soaking and control (non-primed seeds) in both high vigour and low vigour seeds for agronomic attributes under study. High vigour seeds primed with Perlite ‘V1P2’ was found to be the best treatment for most of the traits understudy recording highest total field emergence (76.60%), fruit yield per plot (16.12 Kg) and per hectare (250.35 q). Similarly, Low vigour seeds primed with Perlite also recorded enhanced and improved total field emergence (73.83%) fruit yield per plot (9.28 Kg) and per hectare (143.26 q) compared to other low vigour treated and non treated seeds. From the present investigation it was inferred that that the extent of improvement w.r.t. attributes studied was more in low vigour seeds (V2) and seed priming with solid matrix carrier ‘Perlite’ can be used as a beneficial pre-sowing treatment to enhance the seedling emergence, growth and yield characteristics in bitter gourd.

Field performance of cultivars of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) under cultivar-specific seed priming

Seeds of three cultivars of okra (cv. A-4, Phule Utkarsha and VRO-6) were subjected to four seed priming methods, namely, hydropriming, osmopriming, halopriming and solid matrix (SM) priming comprising a total of 18 treatments of different priming combinations along with control. The observations of selected physiological parameters - seed germination, seedling vigour, vigour index, and field performance of three cultivars were recorded. Cultivar- specificity with reference to priming treatment was observed. On the basis of data recorded for the above parameters, hydropriming for 18 hr for cv. A-4, halopriming with 1% CaCl2 for 6 hr for cv. VRO-6 and SM priming with calcium aluminium silicate (1:0.4:1; Seed : SM : Water) for 48 hr for cv. Phule Utkarsha were found to be the most beneficial which could increase the fruit yield up to 20-104% in the three tested cultivars. The experiment underscored that to harness maximum benefit of seed priming for best field performance, cultivar-specific priming treatment should be adopted.

Seed Priming Accelerates the Enzyme Activities in Three Cultivars of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench)

Seed priming is a pre-sowing treatment that involves controlled hydration of seeds for qualitative improvement and able to facilitate rapid and synchronized seed germination, and plant growth. A study was designed to compare the effect of four different seed priming methods namely, hydropriming, osmopriming, halopriming and solid matrix (SM) priming on selected physiological parameters-seed germination, seedling vigour, vigour index, and biochemical parameters-electrical conductivity of seed leachates, lipid peroxidation, dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and reserve mobilising enzymes (amylase and phosphatases) of three cultivars of okra. Experiment was conducted in the laboratory. Though, all the priming treatments significantly affected the physiological and bio-chemical parameters but no single common treatment was adjudged as beneficial for all three cultivars. The statistical analysis of the recorded data revealed that hydropriming for 18 h for cv. A-4, halopriming with 1% CaCl2 for 6 h for cv. VRO-6 and SM priming with calcium aluminium silicate (1: 0.4: 1;Seed: SM: Water) for 48 h for cv. Phule Utkarsha may be the appropriate treatment which could accelerate enzyme activities and related metabolic events leading to faster germination in the three tested cultivars. It is concluded that adoption of cultivar specific treatment may lead to maximum benefit.

Solid matrix priming of cabbage seed lots: repair of ageing and increasing seed quality

This study was conducted to determine the effect of solid matrix priming treatment on 25 cabbage seed lots of various ages in terms of enhanced germination, emergence, mean germination and emergence time, and electrical conductivity. Solid matrix priming at a seed: vermiculite: water rate of 1:2:2.5 (w:w:w) was applied at 25 °C for 16 hours in the dark. Matrix priming was found to increase germination and emergence, reduced mean germination, emergence times and solute leakage. The advantages of solid matrix priming were observed more in aged than fresh seeds. The results indicated that SMP may enhance aged cabbage seed quality.

Solid matrix priming with chitosan enhances seed germination and seedling invigoration in mung bean under salinity stress

The objective of present study was to evaluate the response of the mung bean seeds of ‘Sonali B1’ variety primed with chitosan in four different concentrations (0, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5%) under salinity stress of five different concentrations (i.e., 0, 4, 6, 8 and 12 dS*mm-1) and halotolerance pattern by applying Celite as matrix at three different moisture levels (5%, 10% and 20%). Improved germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, coefficient of velocity of germination along with root and shoot length was observed comparing with control. Germination stress tolerance index (GSI), plant height stress tolerance index (PHSI) and root length stress tolerance index (RLSI) were used to evaluate the tolerance of the mung bean seeds against salinity stress induced by chitosan. Results of GSI, PHSI, RLSI showing noteworthy inhibitory effect of salinity stress in control set was significantly less pronounced in chitosan treated seedlings. Chitosan can remarkably alleviate the detrimental effect of salinity up to the level of 6 dS*m-1, beyond which no improvement was noticed. In conclusion present investigation revealed that chitosan is an ideal elicitor for enhancing the speed of germination and seedling invigoration that synchronize with emergence of radicle and salinity stress tolerance.

Seed treatments for sustainable agriculture-A review

Seed treatment refers to the application of certain agents physical, chemical or biological to the seed prior to sowing in order to suppress, control or repel pathogens, insects and other pests that attack seeds, seedlings or plants and it ranges from a basic dressing to coating and pelleting. Introduction and ban of arsenic (used from 1740 until 1808) is the key milestones in the history of modern seed treatment till then a continuous research and advancement in this technology is going on. The technological advancement prepared a roadmap for refiningexisting seed treatment technologies and future work on technologies like fluid drilling as a way to sow germinated seeds where gel can also serve as a delivery system for other materials, seed priming advances the early phase of germination without redicle emergence. Another advanced technology, solid matrix priming (SMP) has been evaluated as a means to advances the germination of seeds and serve as a carrier for useful material too. Physical and biological seed treatments alone an alternative to chemicals or in combination with a chemical treatment are being used worldwide because of their environmental safety and socioeconomic aspects. Biological seed treatments are expected to be one of the fastest growing seed treatment sectors in the near future, in part because they are easier to register at Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Lack of awareness to seed treatments at farmer’s level is one of the limiting factors in disease management and hence, efforts should be made at farmer’s level to adopt the technology. Keeping the all above facts in mind, selected seed treatment technologies with their improvement and significance will be discussed in this review.

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.

Effect of Priming on Seed Quality Parameters of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonolobaL. Taub.) Seed

The experiment was conducted in laboratory and field together at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHIATS, Allahabad, U.P. during kharif (2014), in order to standardize the best method of priming specific to cluster bean. Four methods of priming viz., osmopriming, hydropriming, halopriming, and solid matrix priming were evaluated by screening a range of durations and concentrations viz., T0-Unprimed Control, T1 Distilled water hydration (for 18 hrs), T2 Polyethylene glycol 6000 (25%) hydration (for 20 hrs), T3-KNO3 (3%) hydration (for 22 hrs), T4-NaCl (3%) hydration (for 22 hrs), T5-Isabgoal gel hydration (for 24 hrs). It was found that all the priming methods showed significant differences with the control and the highest germination %, seedling length, weight and vigour index were observed in T2 for PEG 6000 priming for 20 hrs. The study helps to improve the quality of seeds with the help of seed priming treatments which are cost effective and economic, non toxic and eco friendly

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.

Solid Matrix Priming with Hydrogels on Heteropappus arenarius Seeds

This study was initiated to evaluate hydrophilic polymers (hydrogels) as a new solid matrix medium for seed-priming of Heteropappus arenarius Kitam. Solid matrix priming (SMP)-media were prepared with the combination of Na- and K-based hydrogels and hydrogels with three different dry levels (DC; 70%, 80%, and 90%). Priming was performed in the dark at 15 or <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 24 hours, and all primed seeds were incubated at <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX> in the dark for the germination test. Non-primed seeds and seeds primed with distilled water (DW) were also included. To reach the germination rate of 50% (<TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX>), it took 4.0 days for non-primed seeds, and 3.6 and 3.9 days for DW-primed seeds at 15 and <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively. Na-based hydrogel-primed seeds with 70% DC (Na 70%) showed the fastest germination, which respectively took and 1.9 and 1.8 days at 15 and <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX> to <TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX>. K-based hydrogel-primed seeds with 70% DC showed the fastest germination among K-based hydrogels with various DC levels, but it took 0.6 days more to <TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX> compared to Na 70%. The hydration rate (HR) of DW-primed seeds was 37% lower than that of Na 70%-primed seeds at <TEX>$15^{\circ}C$</TEX> priming temperature, which indicates that Na 70% priming is the best solid matrix priming condition for promoting the germination of H. arenarius seeds.

Comparison of various seed priming methods for seed germination, seedling vigour and fruit yield in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Seed priming is a method which is potentially able to promote rapid and more uniform seed germination and plant growth. In this study the presowing effects of seed priming treatments on some physiological viz. seed germination, mean germination time, seedling vigour and vigour index and biochemical parameters viz. seed viability, electrical conductivity of seed leachates, lipid peroxidation, dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzymes, reserve mobilising enzymes and field performance of okra were investigated. Seeds were subjected to four seed priming methods, namely, hydropriming, osmopriming, halopriming and solid matrix (SM) priming comprising a total of 19 treatments of different priming combinations (P1–P18) along with control (P0). Hydropriming for 12h and SM priming with calcium aluminium silicate (1:0.4:1; Seed:SM:Water) for 24h significantly increased the seed germination, seedling vigour, mean germination time and marketable fruit yield in okra cv. Hisar Unnat. Hydropriming, being simple, economical and safe, is recommended which can be effective to increase the fruit yield up to 55% as compared to control.