Seed priming for unfavorable condition tolerance

Abstract

Good quality seed having high and uniform germination is an important factor for crop production. Seed priming boosts physiological activities on seed quality during seed germination for improving seed performance. In seed priming, seeds are hydrated in a suitable condition aiming to provide adequate water to start the metabolism processes of germination, but not enough to allow germination to be completed. Primed seeds usually result in an accelerated and more uniformed germination. These normal and uniform seedlings from primed seeds lead to a higher yield production comparing with untreated seeds. Seed priming is also called as a seed enhancement method in order to counter unfavorable conditions such as drought, salinity and cold conditions, taking place in crop production nowadays. Seed priming prepares seeds to be ready to cope with such conditions. For example, primed capsicum seeds can be overcome cold and salinity conditions after treated with H₂O₂ + ABA or NaCl solution.