Iranian Journal of Seed Research

Optimizing Sugarcane Cultivation: Efficacy of Single-Bud Pelleting on Emergence and Quality Traits

Salim Farzaneh

Objective: Commercial sugarcane cultivation is often associated with high production costs due to the extensive use of planting material, energy waste, long cultivation periods, rapid deterioration of cuttings after bud establishment, labor-intensive operations, frequent machinery use, and heavy applications of fertilizers and pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of pelleting lateral buds from sugarcane stalks to produce single-bud seed pieces suitable for mechanized cultivation at the Sugarcane Development, Research, and Training Institute in Khuzestan, Iran.
Methods: A split-plot experiment, based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, was conducted in 2021 at the Sugarcane Development, Research, and Training Institute (SDRTI) in Khuzestan, Iran. The factors considered were different planting dates—16 August (D1), 16 September (D2), and 17 October (D3)—as the main plots, and pellet types (A1: starch + peat + micro-combi fertilizer; A2: starch + peat + nutritional compounds + potassium silicate + carbendazim fungicide; A3: single-bud without pellet; and A4: 50 setts without pellet as the control) as the subplots.
Results: Pelleting single-bud seeds, particularly in treatment A2 planted in September, significantly enhanced crop establishment. It increased the emergence percentage by 56% and the emergence rate to 2.85 sprouts per day compared to the control. Pelleting also improved growth and quality indices more effectively than the other treatments.
Conclusions: Pelleting single-bud sugarcane seeds with nutrient-enriched coatings improves emergence, supports early crop growth, and facilitates mechanized cultivation. This technique supports mechanized planting by enhancing nutrient delivery and moisture retention at the bud level, contributing to more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective sugarcane cultivation.

Highlights:

Using treatment A2 for pelleting significantly boosted the emergence rate of sugarcane single buds by providing essential nutrients.
Planting in September along with pelleting improved the early growth and establishment of sugarcane plants.

Effect of Chitosan on Germination Indices and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Safflower cv. Goldasht (Carthamus tinctorius) Under Salinity Stress

Haniyeh Saadat

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan on germination indicators and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in safflower seedlings under salinity stress.
Method: The experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2024. The experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) and four concentrations of chitosan (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5% w/v), which were dissolved in 1% acetic acid.
Results: The results showed that salinity stress reduced the germination rate, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, and seedling dry weight. However, priming with different concentrations of chitosan, especially at 0.5%, improved these traits. The highest daily germination rate (0.114) was observed in the control group (distilled water priming) under 150 mM salinity. The activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes in the control under 150 mM salinity increased by approximately 43% and 70%, respectively, compared to the 0.5% chitosan treatment under non-saline conditions. Similarly, the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme in the 0.5% chitosan treatment under 150 mM salinity increased by about 67% compared to the control under non-saline conditions. Furthermore, the ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity in seeds primed with 0.5% chitosan increased by 37% compared to the control (distilled water priming).
Conclusions: The results indicated that seed treatment with different concentrations of chitosan can mitigate the harmful effects of salinity on some traits of safflower seedlings and improve seedling growth. The best results were achieved when 0.5% chitosan was used under salinity conditions.

Highlights

Safflower seed priming using 0.5% chitosan improved the germination indices of safflower seeds under salinity stress.
Safflower seed priming with 0.5% chitosan increased the activity of the superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes.
Priming with chitosan had a better effect on the germination indices and biochemical characteristics of safflower seeds compared to the control.

Impact of Hydropriming and Seed Coating with Humic Acid and Biostimulants on Germination and Establishment of Sweet Corn cv. 'Amyla'

Mohammad Ahmadi

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydroprime and seed coating with humic acid, and biological compounds on the germination and emergence of the sweet corn cultivar 'Amyla'.
Method: The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, and four replications under field conditions in 2018. The study was carried out at Mohaghegh Ardabili University and the experimental fields of the National Agro-Industrial Company of Moghan. The fourteen treatments consisted of seed coating with different amounts of amino acid fertilizer (2, 4, and 6 g kg^-1 of seed), seaweed extract (3, 6, and 9 g kg^-1 of seed), humic acid (3, 6, and 9 g kg^-1 of seed), hydroprime + humic acid, hydroprime + seaweed extract, hydroprime + amino acid, hydroprime alone, and an uncoated control. A 3% carboxymethylcellulose solution was used as an adhesive for the seed coating.
Results: Seed coating with humic acid and hydroprime significantly improved the germination and emergence percentages of the 'Amyla' sweet corn seeds under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. The best results were obtained with the hydroprime and humic acid (6 g kg^-1) treatments, which showed the highest germination percentage (98.66%) and emergence percentage (93.33%). The germination and emergence rates also increased significantly in these treatments. Contrary to expectations, seaweed extract negatively affected the germination and emergence of the sweet corn seeds. These results indicate that using seaweed extract as a seed coating may not be suitable for all corn cultivars. The 3% carboxymethylcellulose adhesive used for coating had no adverse effect on seed germination and emergence; in some cases, it even slightly improved the results.
Conclusions: This research clearly demonstrates that coating 'Amyla' sweet corn seeds with humic acid (6 g kg^-1) and hydroprime is not only a practical solution for improving germination and seedling establishment but also, as a sustainable technology, can help address challenges in modern agriculture.

Highlights

The effects of hydropriming and seed coating with humic acid, amino acid fertilizer, and seaweed extract on germination and emergence of 'Amyla' sweet corn cultivar were evaluated.
The combination of hydropriming and humic acid coating (6 g kg⁻¹) was an optimal strategy for enhancing germination and seedling establishment of 'Amyla' sweet corn cultivar.

Evaluation of Flixweed seed germination and dormancy responses under heat shock

Ali Shayanfar

Objective: This study aimed to simulate the effects of thermal shocks from crop residue burning and soil temperatures on the germination and dormancy of flixweed (Descurainia sophia) seeds under laboratory conditions.
Method: A factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with four replications. Heat shock treatments were applied to flixweed seeds at 80°C and 120°C for durations of 2.5 and 7.5 minutes. Subsequently, the treated seeds were incubated for 14 days under constant temperatures of 7, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C, as well as under an alternating temperature regime of 20/30°C (16h/8h). Various seed germination and dormancy indices were then recorded and analyzed.
Results: The optimum temperature for flixweed seed germination was 7°C. Increasing the germination temperature to 35°C significantly reduced both the germination percentage and rate, while significantly increasing the percentages of dead and dormant seeds. Compared to constant temperatures above 7°C, alternating temperature treatments combined with light exposure enhanced the germination rate and percentage and decreased seed dormancy. Both elevated substrate temperatures and heat shock treatments increased the percentage of dead seeds, particularly at 30 and 35°C under the 120°C heat shock treatment. The highest percentage of normal seedlings was observed at 7°C and under the 20/30°C alternating temperature regime. Applying an 80°C heat shock for 2.5 minutes improved both the germination percentage and rate, and reduced secondary dormancy compared to the control at the same incubation temperature. In contrast, heat shocks at higher temperatures (120°C) led to increased seed mortality and reduced both germination and dormancy.
Conclusions: Heat shock treatments did not induce secondary dormancy (thermo-dormancy) in flixweed seeds; instead, they primarily influenced the germination percentage, germination rate, and seed mortality. The induction of secondary dormancy in flixweed seeds was observed only as a result of elevated substrate temperatures above 7°C. Thermo-dormancy caused by exposure to higher temperatures can be mitigated through alternating temperature treatments combined with light, thereby enhancing both the germination percentage and rate.

Highlights

The response of the flixweed soil seed bank to crop residue burning was simulated under laboratory conditions.
Secondary dormancy induction in flixweed seeds was assessed in response to both heat shock and incubation temperature treatments.
Thermo-dormancy in flixweed seeds was induced exclusively by elevated substrate temperature, not by heat shock treatments.

The Application of Functional Analysis of Variance in Assessing Germination in Seed Research

Majid Azimmohseni

Objective: This study introduces functional analysis of variance as a method for comparing germination trends under different treatments over a given time interval. This approach not only enables the comparison of treatments over the entire time period but also allows for treatment comparisons at each specific moment in time. Moreover, it identifies critical time points at which the maximum significant difference between treatments occurs, which can serve as novel germination indices.
Method: In this study, real experimental data from four germination studies were analyzed: (1) the effect of temperature on Nigella sativa germination, (2) the effect of salinity stress on Zea mays seed germination, (3) the comparison of germination among different Triticum astivum cultivars, and (4) the effect of water stress on Brassica napus germination. Using spline functions, germination data from these experiments were modeled as a function of time. The results of functional analysis were then used to compare treatments in terms of both germination percentage and germination time across the four experiments.
Results: The results of the functional analysis demonstrated its high efficiency in detecting significant or non-significant differences between treatments throughout the germination period. Furthermore, this method enabled comparisons of germination percentages at any given time point, as well as comparisons of germination times at various germination percentiles, providing detailed insights into the nature of differences among treatments. This approach also facilitated the introduction of new germination indices applicable to different seed types.
Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study indicate that the stepwise functional analysis method introduced here is an effective and precise tool for comparing treatments in germination data. This approach not only enhances treatment comparisons but also provides detailed insights into the nature of differences between treatments. Moreover, it overcomes the limitations associated with using conventional germination indices for treatment comparisons.

Highlights

Functional analysis was applied to compare treatments in germination percentage data.
The method enabled treatment comparisons in terms of germination percentage at each moment in time, as well as comparisons of germination times at various percentiles.
Critical germination times and percentiles at which the maximum differences between treatments occur were introduced as novel germination indices.

Evaluation of Relative Fitness and Seed Germination Responses to Temperature and Gibberellin in Tribenuron-Methyl Resistant and Sensitive Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) Biotypes

Rasoul Fakhari

Objective: This experiment aims to evaluate relative fitness and seed germination indices of tribenuron-methyl sensitive and resistant wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) biotypes under different temperature conditions and gibberellic acid concentrations.
Method: This experiment was conducted in 2023 at the laboratory of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. It was performed as a three-factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of two levels (seeds of tribenuron-methyl sensitive and resistant biotypes), the second factor included four levels of gibberellic acid concentration (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg L^-1), and the third factor comprised two temperature regimes: 20/15 °C and 15/10 °C (day/night). The measured parameters included germination percentage, germination rate and uniformity, seed water uptake, and seedling vigor index.
Results: The sensitive biotype of wild mustard exhibited a higher final germination percentage, and germination uniformity. The interactions of temperature × biotype and temperature × gibberellic acid concentration were significant on seed water uptake. Furthermore, the rate of water absorption by seeds was higher under the 10/15 °C temperature regime compared to the 20/15 °C (day/night) regime. The sensitive biotype showed a 1.8-fold higher germination rate and a 38% increase in seedling vigor compared to the resistant biotype.
Conclusions: These findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying herbicide resistance but also demonstrate that while resistance provides a selective advantage, it may entail a physiological cost in the long term. This fitness cost can be leveraged for sustainable weed management. Specifically, farmers could potentially delay wheat sowing—provided it does not compromise wheat yield—to create suboptimal temperature conditions that suppress the germination of resistant wild mustard biotypes. Furthermore, the slower water uptake observed in the resistant biotype suggests that strategic irrigation management could be employed to further inhibit its germination. Additionally, since the germination of resistant wild mustard is slower at lower temperatures, soil temperature monitoring can be utilized to predict the optimal timing for implementing mechanical control measures or post-emergence herbicide applications.

Highlights

A simultaneous study of the effects of temperature and gibberellic acid on the germination and growth of herbicide-sensitive and herbicide-resistant wild mustard biotypes.
Evaluation of the fitness cost in herbicide-resistant biotypes.
Differential effects of growth-affecting factors on the phenotype of two wild mustard biotypes.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Priming Enhances Germination Characteristics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Seeds under Drought Stress

Mohsen Saeidi

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficiency of zinc oxid (ZnO) nanoparticles in mitigating drought stress effects in comparison with bulk ZnO, and to examine the influence of different priming durations on chickpea seed germination under drought conditions.
Method: A three-factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design was conducted with three replications on germination and seedling growth characteristics of chickpea cultivar Kasra. The factors included: 1) seed priming at 4 levels (priming with zinc oxide in the form of nanoparticles 1-100 and 40-60 nm, priming with bulk zinc oxide, and hydropriming), 2) priming duration at 3 levels (6, 12 and 24 hours) and 3) drought stress levels at 4 levels (no stress, -2, -4 and -8 bar using polyethylene glycol 6000).
Results: The results showed that drought stress had a significant effect on all measured variables. Although priming with nanoparticles and bulk zinc oxide performed better than hydropriming; in comparison with bulk zinc oxide priming and nanopriming, nanopriming with a diameter of 1 to 100 nm showed better efficiency. Increasing the drought stress intensity led to a significant rise in the number of abnormal seedlings. Priming especially with zinc oxide (nano and bulk), modulated the drought stress effects in non-stressed conditions and mild to moderate stresses (-2 to -4 bar). However, under severe stress (-8 bar), drought stress damage was not compensated by priming. The results also showed that increasing the priming time had a significant effect on seedling length, germination rate and longitudinal index of seedling vigor. However, increasing the duration from 12 to 24 did not have a significant effect on this increasing trend.
Conclusions: Rapid and optimal germination plays a crucial role in the formation of a reliable crop with excellent yield. Zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly enhance germination, biochemical activities, and seedling growth of chickpea, however, determining the optimal dosage and application method is critical to maximize benefits while avoiding potential toxicity associated with excessive nanoparticle use.

Highlights

Seed priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (1–100 nm in diameter) was more effective than using bulk zinc oxide or nanoparticles sized 40–60 nm.
Under no-stress and mild to moderate drought stress conditions (-2 to -4 bar), priming — particularly with zinc oxide (both nano and bulk forms) — alleviated drought-induced damage.
Drought stress up to -2 bar did not significantly affect the germination percentage of chickpea seeds compared to the non-primed control.

Effect of Seed Priming With Bulk and Nanoparticle of Zinc Oxide on the Quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Germination under Salinity Stress

Mohsen Saeidi

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficiency of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in mitigating salinity stress effects in comparison with bulk ZnO, and to examine the influence of different priming durations on chickpea seed germination under salinity conditions.
Method: The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications on chickpea (Kasra cultivar). The first factor was the priming agent (1-100 nm ZnO nanoparticles, 40-60 nm ZnO nanoparticles, bulk ZnO, and hydro-priming). The second factor was the priming duration (6, 12, and 24 h), and the third factor was the level of salinity stress (0, 20, 40, and 80 mM NaCl). Key indicators related to germination quality and seedling growth were subsequently assessed.
Results: Salinity stress significantly affected the germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, mean daily germination, and seedling vigor weight index. The respective values at 0 and 80 mM NaCl were 98.7% vs. 68.4%, 15.6 vs. 10.4 germinated seeds per day, 2.11 vs. 2.39 days, 12.3 vs. 8.56 seeds per day, and 5466 vs. 1853. Salinity stress also significantly increased the root-to-shoot length ratio. Seed priming with 1-100 nm ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased seedling dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and consequently, the seedling vigor index compared to other zinc forms and hydro-priming. Furthermore, this treatment reduced the percentage of abnormal seedlings to 20.7% under 80 mM NaCl. Priming durations of 12 and 24 h were superior to 6 h, resulting in a significant increase in seedling and shoot length, seedling and shoot weight, and the seedling vigor length index.

Conclusions: Salinity stress had significant adverse effects on germination and seedling growth characteristics and increased the proportion of abnormal seedlings. However, seed priming exerted a more pronounced positive effect on improving seedling growth and reducing the number of abnormal seedlings. Among the priming treatments, ZnO nanoparticles (1-100 nm) with a priming duration of 12 h were the most effective in enhancing seedling growth and the seedling vigor index, providing clear guidance for future research and applications.

Highlights

Seed priming at a salinity level of 20 mM significantly alleviated the adverse effects of salinity on seedling growth parameters.
Seed priming of chickpea with zinc nanoparticles (1 to 100 nm) was more effective than other seed priming methods in promoting seedling growth.
A priming duration of 12 h was identified as the optimal treatment for maximizing seedling growth and vigor index.

Interaction of Seed Priming, Sulfur, and Thiobacillus on Yield and Fatty Acid Profile of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Seeds

Barmak Jafari Haghighi

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming, sulfur application, and a biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus on seed yield and the fatty acid composition of sesame. Due to the importance of sesame as a valuable oilseed crop, evaluating the combined role of nutritional and biological management in improving both quantitative and qualitative traits of the crop holds significant importance.
Method: A field experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing season in Fasa County, Fars Province, Iran, as a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included four seed priming methods (no prime, hydropriming, calcium chloride at 2.5% and 5%), four levels of sulfur application (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha^-1), and three levels of Thiobacillus inoculation (0, 2, and 4 kg ha^-1). Sesame cultivar ‘Darab 2’ was sown at a density of 40 plants m^-2. Thousand-seed weight, dry matter and seed yield were measured. Oil quality was evaluated through fatty acid methyl ester analysis using gas chromatography according to ISIRI and AOAC standards.
Results: Seed priming, sulfur application, and Thiobacillus biofertilization significantly affected all the studied traits. Both two-way and three-way interactions were significant at 1% and 5% levels. The highest plant dry weight (23,580 kg ha^-1) was observed in the treatment of hydro-priming combined with 300 kg ha^-1sulfur. Additionally, the highest thousand seed weight (5.33 g) and seed yield (2610 kg ha^-1) were recorded in the treatment of hydro-priming combined with 300 kg ha^-1 sulfur and 4 kg ha^-1 Thiobacillus. The highest oil percentage (52.2%) and protein content (25.10%) were obtained in the treatment of 5% calcium chloride priming combined with 300 kg ha^-1 sulfur and 4 kg ha^-1 Thiobacillus. The fatty acid analysis revealed that integrated treatments increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, alpha-linolenic) while decreasing saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic).
Conclusions: The integrated use of seed priming (especially 5% calcium chloride or hydropriming), high-dose sulfur, and Thiobacillus inoculation significantly improved sesame seed yield, and oil quality. These practices enhanced nutrient uptake, stimulated microbial activity, and promoted biosynthesis of health-beneficial fatty acids.

Highlights

Seed priming, sulfur application, and Thiobacillus inoculation significantly increased sesame seed yield.
Combined treatments improved seed oil quality by increasing unsaturated fatty acids and reducing saturated ones.

The Role of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Seed Morphological Characteristics in Enhancing Seed Vigor Quality

Elham Faghani

bjective: Cotton seed quality (Gossypium hirsutum L.), as a fundamental input in crop production, is a determining factor in field establishment, final yield, and fiber production. The aim of this study investigates the crucial role of seed morphological characteristics, particularly seed coat thickness and integrity, as a key factor in determining the seed's physiological vigor and its resilience to seed processing.
Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review. To collect information, searches were performed on reputable scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, as well as domestic databases such as SID and Magiran, using keywords such as "cottonseed coat," "seed coat thickness," "seed vigor," "cottonseed processing," and their English equivalents. The search was conducted on articles published between the years 2000 and 2024.
Results: The seed coat possesses dual characteristics; its optimal thickness is essential for creating a balance between protection and function. A thicker seed coat provides better protection for the embryo against mechanical damage, safeguards it during the acid delinting process, reduces ion leakage, and plays a fundamental role in greater resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, this type of coat provides a more suitable physical bed for the formation of higher fiber density. Conversely, an excessively thick seed coat can cause physical dormancy and, by creating a mechanical barrier to radicle emergence, lead to delayed and reduced germination rates. On the other hand, seeds with thinner coats, although exhibiting faster water absorption and germination, are highly vulnerable to chemical and mechanical damage, resulting in the production of seeds with low vigor and reduced storability. Harsh seed processing conditions can lead to the formation of micro-cracks in the seed coat, severely compromising its integrity, which directly causes a reduction in germination percentage and seed vigor.
Conclusions: In general, achieving high-quality cotton seeds requires an integrated management approach. This approach includes selecting cultivars with optimal seed coat morphological characteristics, managing environmental stresses during seed filling, and modifying the seed processing procedure to minimize seed damage. Future breeding programs should adopt a dual strategy that simultaneously selects based on beneficial morphological traits and strong physiological performance to develop resilient cultivars that ensure sustainable cotton production.
Highlights

The cottonseed hull varies among different cultivars.
The seed hull plays a significant role in achieving seeds with desired vigor.
In seed processing, the characteristics of the cottonseed hull should be taken into consideration.

Pre-treatment with Growth Stimulants: A Strategy for Mitigating the Deleterious Effects of Salinity Stress in Rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Mohammad Ahmadi

Objective: The particular susceptibility of rapeseed during the sensitive stages of germination and seedling establishment doubly underscores the urgent need to develop efficient and cost-effective management strategies to counteract salinity stress. In this regard, seed pre-treatment technology has gained attention as a promising and novel strategy to enhance plant resilience against environmental stresses from the very first stages of growth.
Method: This research was designed and conducted to comprehensively evaluate and compare the effects of applying various natural growth stimulants—including amino acids (at three concentrations: 2, 4, and 6 g kg^-1 of seed), humic acid (at three concentrations: 3, 6, and 9 g kg^-1 of seed), and seaweed extract (at three concentrations: 3, 6, and 9 g kg^-1 of seed) both individually and in combination with the hydropriming method on the improvement of germination indices, growth, and biochemical responses of rapeseed (cv. Hyola 50) under different levels of salinity stress (0, -2, -4, -6, and -8 bar).
Results: Salinity stress had a significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.01) on most measured traits. With increasing stress levels up to -8 bar, root dry weight decreased by 65.3%, emergence percentage decreased by 32%, and germination rate decreased by 63.3% compared to the control treatment (no stress). In contrast, the activity of catalase enzyme, an indicator of oxidative stress, increased by 114%, demonstrating the plant's defensive response to unfavorable conditions. In this study, the combined treatment of hydropriming with humic acid (6 g kg^-1 of seed) was identified as the most effective method, with a 153% difference in leaf dry weight compared to the worst treatment. This treatment comprehensively demonstrated a protective role against salinity stress by increasing root dry weight by 13.8%, catalase enzyme activity by 10.5%, and germination rate by 14%, while maintaining the chlorophyll index.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that pre-treating rapeseed seeds with natural growth stimulants, particularly as combined hydropriming treatments with amino acids (4 g kg^-1 seed) and humic acid (6 g kg^-1 seed), is a low-cost, user-friendly breeding strategy and represents a practical and implementable approach for farmers.

Highlights

A comprehensive investigation of the effects of three types of natural growth stimulants (amino acid, humic acid, and seaweed extract) individually and combined with hydropriming to achieve a synergistic effect.
Providing strong quantitative evidence of the mechanism of action through simultaneous measurement of growth and biochemical indices and demonstrating the critical principle of dose-response.
Emphasizing the practical and cost-effective nature of the method for farmers, aiming to convert saline lands into productive areas as a sustainable solution.

Effect of Selenium on Germination Indicators and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Seedlings under Salinity Stress

Haniyeh Saadat

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium on germination indicators and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat seedlings under salinity stress.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2022. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and four selenium priming levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 µM)
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased mean daily germination (MDG) and seedling length (SL) but increased daily germination rate (DGR) and allometric coefficient (AC). Seed priming with selenium increased MDG and SL. The comparison of means showed significant differences among selenium levels, with the highest values obtained from the 75 µM selenium treatment and the lowest from the control (without selenium). The lowest germination coefficient (GC) was observed under the 150 mM salinity treatment. The activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase increased by 49%, 71%, and 70%, respectively, in the 75 µM selenium treatment under 150 mM salinity compared to the control. Selenium also increased catalase enzyme activity, with the highest catalase activity (0.469 U mg^-1 protein min^-1) observed in the 75 µM selenium treatment.
Conclusions: The results showed that seed priming with selenium, by stimulating antioxidant enzymes and neutralizing free radicals, can reduce the harmful effects of salinity on certain traits in wheat seedlings and improve seedling growth.

Highlights

Seed priming with 75 µM selenium improved germination indices of wheat seeds under salinity.
Seed priming with 75 µM selenium increased the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes.