Effects of Priming on Seed Germination of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Salinity Stress

Abstract

The current study was aimed at evaluating the potential of hydro and aspirin (ASP) priming technique to improve germination of soft wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) under salinity stress. Seeds of two wheat genotypes were first primed and then germinated and grown in saline and non-saline condition (0 and 120mM NaCl) for 8 days. The results showed that priming of seeds in the presence or absence of salinity stress enhanced germination traits. Under saline condition ASP primed seeds were highest in germination percentage (79%) as compared to hydro primed seeds (71%) and non- primed seeds (70%). Also shoot and root length were the highest in ASP primed seeds compared to hydro primed and non-primed seeds. The result revealed that priming with ASP resulted in highest seedling dry weight (0.75g) compared to hydro priming (0.67g) and no-priming (0.27g). In addition, seedling vigor index was higher in ASP priming (10) compared to hydro priming (8) and no-priming (7). Although both priming treatments improved germination and seedling performance of wheat under saline and non-saline condition, ASP priming was more effective for germination and seedling performance. These results suggested that priming of wheat seeds with ASP can be used as an effective method to improve seeds germination and seedling performance.