Abstract:
Seed aging is an important
problem in developing countries which
seeds stored in inappropriate condition.
Delayed germination, reduced normal
seedling percentage and changed
antioxidant enzymes activity are some
indications of aged seeds. Priming is a
technique applied before planting and can
improve seed characteristics especially
under abiotic stress conditions. The main
objective of the study was to evaluate aging
effect on seed quality and to study the
interaction between seed aging and seed
priming. A factorial experiment based on
completely randomized design with three
replicates was conducted. The experimental
treatments included cultivar, priming and
aging. Results showed that seed aging
reduced germination percentage,
germination index, seedling length, normal
seedling percentage, seedling dry weight,
catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity
and increased the germination mean time
and electrical conductivity of seeds. The
highest germination percentage, germination
index, seedling length, normal seedling
percentage, seedling dry weight, catalase
and ascorbate peroxidase activity and the
minimum germination mean time and
electrical conductivity of seeds were
attained from hydro-priming treatment
under non aged condition. Hydro-priming
improved aged seeds quality and increased
enzymes activity. Therefore, priming is a
technique can be applied to improve aged
seeds germination and seedling
characteristics.
