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Showing 67 results for Vigor
Mohammad Reza Mirzaei,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: One of the most critical factors in achieving optimal sugar beet root performance at harvest time is appropriate plant density, which depends on high seedling emergence rates and subsequent seedling growth facilitated by using seeds with desirable vigor. Various seedling traits are key determinants of seed vigor and quality in sugar beet.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate germination vigor and seedling growth under laboratory conditions, traits such as maximum germination, hypocotyl length, radicle length, and fresh and dry seedling weights were measured in ten single-cross hybrids derived from crosses between ten male-sterile maternal lines and one paternal line, produced in three different seed production environments. Additionally, correlations between these traits and seedling emergence traits in greenhouse conditions, as well as seed chemical properties, were examined.
Results: The results indicated that seedling traits, which reflect seed vigor, are primarily influenced by two factors: the sugar beet seed production environment and genetics. Analysis of correlation coefficients between laboratory seedling traits and greenhouse seedling emergence traits, as well as seed electrical conductivity, revealed that genotypes with low electrical conductivity and low total soluble solids in the seed pericarp germinated faster and emerged more quickly under greenhouse conditions. Thus, high electrical conductivity in the sugar beet seed pericarp was associated with low seed vigor. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between seedling emergence speed and mean emergence time in the greenhouse and hypocotyl length in the laboratory, showing positive (+0.91**) and negative (−0.82**) relationships, respectively. Therefore, genotypes with longer hypocotyls in the laboratory exhibited faster seedling emergence in the greenhouse. Consequently, single-cross hybrids such as MS KWS × OT 231, which had greater radicle length (8.49 cm), seedling length (14.66 cm), and radicle-to-hypocotyl ratio (1.37) under laboratory conditions, also showed a significant increase in mean dry shoot weight (1.89 mg) and seedling vigor weight index (8.26) in the greenhouse compared to other single-cross hybrid.
Conclusions: Therefore, it appears that seedling traits and chemical characteristics of sugar beet seeds can be used to predict seedling emergence performance in the greenhouse and potentially in the field. However, for validation and precise assessment, it is recommended that this experiment be conducted under field conditions.
Highlights:
Introduction: One of the most critical factors in achieving optimal sugar beet root performance at harvest time is appropriate plant density, which depends on high seedling emergence rates and subsequent seedling growth facilitated by using seeds with desirable vigor. Various seedling traits are key determinants of seed vigor and quality in sugar beet.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate germination vigor and seedling growth under laboratory conditions, traits such as maximum germination, hypocotyl length, radicle length, and fresh and dry seedling weights were measured in ten single-cross hybrids derived from crosses between ten male-sterile maternal lines and one paternal line, produced in three different seed production environments. Additionally, correlations between these traits and seedling emergence traits in greenhouse conditions, as well as seed chemical properties, were examined.
Results: The results indicated that seedling traits, which reflect seed vigor, are primarily influenced by two factors: the sugar beet seed production environment and genetics. Analysis of correlation coefficients between laboratory seedling traits and greenhouse seedling emergence traits, as well as seed electrical conductivity, revealed that genotypes with low electrical conductivity and low total soluble solids in the seed pericarp germinated faster and emerged more quickly under greenhouse conditions. Thus, high electrical conductivity in the sugar beet seed pericarp was associated with low seed vigor. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between seedling emergence speed and mean emergence time in the greenhouse and hypocotyl length in the laboratory, showing positive (+0.91**) and negative (−0.82**) relationships, respectively. Therefore, genotypes with longer hypocotyls in the laboratory exhibited faster seedling emergence in the greenhouse. Consequently, single-cross hybrids such as MS KWS × OT 231, which had greater radicle length (8.49 cm), seedling length (14.66 cm), and radicle-to-hypocotyl ratio (1.37) under laboratory conditions, also showed a significant increase in mean dry shoot weight (1.89 mg) and seedling vigor weight index (8.26) in the greenhouse compared to other single-cross hybrid.
Conclusions: Therefore, it appears that seedling traits and chemical characteristics of sugar beet seeds can be used to predict seedling emergence performance in the greenhouse and potentially in the field. However, for validation and precise assessment, it is recommended that this experiment be conducted under field conditions.
Highlights:
- Differences were observed among genotypes in terms of seed characteristics and the maternal environment in which the seeds were produced.
- Poor sugar beet seed vigor can reduce both the potential emergence percentage and the speed and uniformity of seedling emergence compared to high-vigor seeds.
- Seedling traits in sugar beet are indicators of seed vigor and are influenced by both the seed production environment and genetics.
Kamran Gharehbeygi Tavabea, Hamidreza Balouchi, Mohsen Movahhedi Dehnavi, Ali Moradi, Fatemeh Ebrahimi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Poor seedling vigor is one of the major challenges in agriculture, as it reduces seed germination capacity and seedling establishment, directly impacting plant establishment and yield. The use of seed priming methods with chemicals and growth regulators can serve as an effective strategy to enhance seedling vigor and improve biochemical traits and seed germination. In this study, the enhancement of sweet corn seedling vigor through priming with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate was investigated under accelerated aging conditions.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in the Seed Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at Yasouj University in 2024, based on a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was accelerated seed aging at two levels (aged and non-aged), and the second factor was seed priming at eight levels (no prime, hydropriming, ellagic acid at two concentrations (25 and 100 mg/l), gibberellin at two concentrations (50 and 150 mg/l), and potassium nitrate at two concentrations (15 and 60 mg/l)). Biochemical traits and seed germination characteristics were measured ultimately.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that seed deterioration significantly reduced germination characteristics, including germination percentage and rate, shoot length, root length, and seedling vigor index (length and weight). Additionally, biochemical indices such as soluble sugar content and α-amylase enzyme activity were negatively affected by aging. On the other hand, seed deterioration increased proline content, malondialdehyde levels, and peroxidase enzyme activity, indicating heightened oxidative stress under aging conditions. Priming of deterioration seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate positively influenced germination characteristics and biochemical indices. Specifically, concentrations of 100 mg/l ellagic acid, 150 mg/l gibberellin, and 15 mg/l potassium nitrate were the most effective pretreatments.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrated that pretreatment of deteriorated Basin sweet corn seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate significantly improved germination and biochemical indices. These treatments mitigated the negative effects of seed aging, enhancing seedling vigor and establishment. Therefore, these priming can be recommended as effective methods to improve the quality of Basin sweet corn seeds under various agricultural conditions.
Highlights:
Introduction: Poor seedling vigor is one of the major challenges in agriculture, as it reduces seed germination capacity and seedling establishment, directly impacting plant establishment and yield. The use of seed priming methods with chemicals and growth regulators can serve as an effective strategy to enhance seedling vigor and improve biochemical traits and seed germination. In this study, the enhancement of sweet corn seedling vigor through priming with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate was investigated under accelerated aging conditions.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in the Seed Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at Yasouj University in 2024, based on a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was accelerated seed aging at two levels (aged and non-aged), and the second factor was seed priming at eight levels (no prime, hydropriming, ellagic acid at two concentrations (25 and 100 mg/l), gibberellin at two concentrations (50 and 150 mg/l), and potassium nitrate at two concentrations (15 and 60 mg/l)). Biochemical traits and seed germination characteristics were measured ultimately.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that seed deterioration significantly reduced germination characteristics, including germination percentage and rate, shoot length, root length, and seedling vigor index (length and weight). Additionally, biochemical indices such as soluble sugar content and α-amylase enzyme activity were negatively affected by aging. On the other hand, seed deterioration increased proline content, malondialdehyde levels, and peroxidase enzyme activity, indicating heightened oxidative stress under aging conditions. Priming of deterioration seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate positively influenced germination characteristics and biochemical indices. Specifically, concentrations of 100 mg/l ellagic acid, 150 mg/l gibberellin, and 15 mg/l potassium nitrate were the most effective pretreatments.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrated that pretreatment of deteriorated Basin sweet corn seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate significantly improved germination and biochemical indices. These treatments mitigated the negative effects of seed aging, enhancing seedling vigor and establishment. Therefore, these priming can be recommended as effective methods to improve the quality of Basin sweet corn seeds under various agricultural conditions.
Highlights:
- Seed deterioration leads to an increase in biochemical indicators such as seed proline content, peroxidase enzyme activity, and seed malondialdehyde content.
- The vigor of Basin sweet corn seeds is improved through pretreatment with gibberellin and ellagic acid.
- The effect of priming before and after artificial deterioration on germination and seed vigor of sweet corn cultivar Basin was compared and investigated.
Abas Sasanian, Ali Bashirzadeh, Seyed Ebrahim Kamali,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), one of the world's most crucial cereals, serves as a primary nutritional source for over one-third of the global population. Compared to other grains, rice exhibits greater sensitivity to low-temperature stress. Seed priming as a biotechnological tool is a simple, practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach to enhance plant stress tolerance and improve seed germination. This study investigated the germination and physiological responses of rice seeds to varying intensities and durations of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure under cold stress conditions.
Materials and Methods: In 2024, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design at Islamic Azad University, Astara Branch. The experiment evaluated four levels of EMF intensity (0, 50, 100, and 150 mT), two exposure durations (30 and 60 minutes), and three cold stress levels (10, 15, and 25°C) on the Hashemi rice cultivar, with three replications. Rice seeds were treated in plastic bags under the specified EMF conditions. For seedling establishment, healthy seedlings were transferred to plastic pots containing sand. After 25 days, physiological traits were measured.
Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of EMF intensity, duration, cold stress, and their interactions on most traits. Cold stress significantly increased proline (1.02 µmol g⁻¹ FW) and malondialdehyde (4.40 mmol g⁻¹ FW) while reducing chlorophyll a and b. The highest germination percentage (98.9%), radicle length (69.6 mm), chlorophyll a (0.807 mg g⁻¹ FW), and chlorophyll b (0.99 mg g⁻¹ FW) were observed under 100 mT at 25°C. Additionally, the highest germination rate (0.560 day⁻¹), shoot length (58.63 mm), seedling length (130.8 mm), radicle dry weight (3.25 mg), shoot dry weight (2.21 mg), seedling dry weight (5.46 mg), length-based vigor index (13035.5), and weight-based vigor index (543.5) were recorded at 100 mT, 25°C, and 30 minutes. While cold stress reduced germination and seedling growth, EMF treatment up to 100 mT counteracted these effects across all temperature levels.
Conclusion: EMF treatment up to 100 mT significantly improved germination traits (e.g., percentage, rate) and physiological parameters (e.g., chlorophyll content) in this rice cultivar. These findings highlight the potential of EMF priming to enhance seed germination and stress resilience under cold conditions.
Highlights:
- The effect of the magnetic field was investigated on rice seed germination and physiological traits under cold stress.
- Seed priming with an intensity of 100 mT for 60 minutes under cold stress of 10°C increased proline and malondialdehyde content.
- Higher EMF intensities (up to 100 mT) significantly improved germination at 10°C.
Nasrin Teimoori, Mohsen Saeidi, Mahmood Khoramivafa, Shahab Khoshkhoy,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
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
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.
Elham Faghani, Mohammad Hossein Razzaghi, Ameneh Sadat Hashemi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
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
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.
Abohassan Farhang Sardrodi, Malihe Sadeghizadeh, Ali Khatibi, Ghasemali Abdollahi Koshki, Alireza Jamali Kharanjani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to distinguish early stimulatory effects from inhibitory responses in basil seeds under alkaline stress (sodium carbonate).
Method: An experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with four Na₂CO₃ levels (0, 5, 15, and 30 mM) and three replications. Germination dynamics were assessed via germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), and mean germination time (MGT). Post-germination growth was evaluated using seed vigor index (SVI), biomass allocation (fresh/dry weights), and total biomass index (TBI). Salt tolerance indices (STI) were calculated, and multivariate analyses (correlation heatmap and PCA) were performed.
Results: A clear hormetic response was observed. At 5 mM, TBI reached its maximum (STI.TBI = 2.28), indicating significant growth stimulation. Concentrations above 15 mM caused a sharp decline in all indices. At 30 mM, germination capacity and early growth were severely reduced, along with decreased germination rate and disrupted biomass allocation. PCA explained 97.75% of total variance and clearly differentiated treatments. The heatmap showed a strong correlation (r = 0.962) between germination rate and seedling establishment.
Conclusions: A stimulatory threshold exists at 5 mM Na₂CO₃. The transition from hormesis to toxicity occurs between 5 and 15 mM, reflecting a limited adaptability range for Damavand basil. TBI and PCA-based clustering are reliable indicators for evaluating salt tolerance. These findings emphasize the need for careful soil and water management in alkaline environments.
Highlights
Method: An experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with four Na₂CO₃ levels (0, 5, 15, and 30 mM) and three replications. Germination dynamics were assessed via germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), and mean germination time (MGT). Post-germination growth was evaluated using seed vigor index (SVI), biomass allocation (fresh/dry weights), and total biomass index (TBI). Salt tolerance indices (STI) were calculated, and multivariate analyses (correlation heatmap and PCA) were performed.
Results: A clear hormetic response was observed. At 5 mM, TBI reached its maximum (STI.TBI = 2.28), indicating significant growth stimulation. Concentrations above 15 mM caused a sharp decline in all indices. At 30 mM, germination capacity and early growth were severely reduced, along with decreased germination rate and disrupted biomass allocation. PCA explained 97.75% of total variance and clearly differentiated treatments. The heatmap showed a strong correlation (r = 0.962) between germination rate and seedling establishment.
Conclusions: A stimulatory threshold exists at 5 mM Na₂CO₃. The transition from hormesis to toxicity occurs between 5 and 15 mM, reflecting a limited adaptability range for Damavand basil. TBI and PCA-based clustering are reliable indicators for evaluating salt tolerance. These findings emphasize the need for careful soil and water management in alkaline environments.
Highlights
- Mild sodium carbonate stress (5 mM) stimulated seedling growth in Damavand basil, confirming a hormetic response.
- PCA effectively discriminated stress levels, explaining 97.8% of total variance.
- Total Biomass Index (TBI) was identified as the most reliable indicator of alkaline stress tolerance.
- Severe stress (30 mM) impaired biomass allocation and germination kinetics, leading to poor seedling establishment.
Maryam Hashemvand, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with silicon on germination and biochemical responses of maize (Zea mays L. SC 704) under different pH levels of the growth medium.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of four priming levels: control (distilled water) and silicon (as sodium silicate) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1, and three pH levels of the growth medium (5, 6.5, and 8). The measured traits included germination indices (percentage and rate), seedling growth (fresh weight, vigor weight, and length), ion leakage (relative electrolyte leakage, REL), and biochemical indices (activities of α-amylase and protease, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake)
Results: Deviation from the optimal pH (6.5) toward acidic (pH 5) or alkaline (pH 8) conditions significantly reduced germination and growth indices while increasing ion leakage. Seed priming with silicon, particularly at 150 mg L-1, markedly mitigated the adverse effects of pH changes. Under acidic conditions (pH 5), this treatment increased germination percentage by 63.19% compared to the non-silicon control at the same pH, reduced relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and significantly enhanced α-amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake. The interaction between silicon and pH was significant only for germination rate, highlighting the specific role of silicon in accelerating germination under unfavorable pH conditions.
Conclusions: Seed priming with silicon at 150 mg L-1 effectively enhances germination capability and reinforces the physiological and biochemical status of maize seeds under non-optimal pH conditions, particularly acidic stress. This approach holds significant promise for improving field establishment in soils with suboptimal pH.
Highlights
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of four priming levels: control (distilled water) and silicon (as sodium silicate) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1, and three pH levels of the growth medium (5, 6.5, and 8). The measured traits included germination indices (percentage and rate), seedling growth (fresh weight, vigor weight, and length), ion leakage (relative electrolyte leakage, REL), and biochemical indices (activities of α-amylase and protease, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake)
Results: Deviation from the optimal pH (6.5) toward acidic (pH 5) or alkaline (pH 8) conditions significantly reduced germination and growth indices while increasing ion leakage. Seed priming with silicon, particularly at 150 mg L-1, markedly mitigated the adverse effects of pH changes. Under acidic conditions (pH 5), this treatment increased germination percentage by 63.19% compared to the non-silicon control at the same pH, reduced relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and significantly enhanced α-amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake. The interaction between silicon and pH was significant only for germination rate, highlighting the specific role of silicon in accelerating germination under unfavorable pH conditions.
Conclusions: Seed priming with silicon at 150 mg L-1 effectively enhances germination capability and reinforces the physiological and biochemical status of maize seeds under non-optimal pH conditions, particularly acidic stress. This approach holds significant promise for improving field establishment in soils with suboptimal pH.
Highlights
- Silicon priming improved germination, rate and vigor at all pH levels, especially pH 5.
- Silicon (150 mg L-1) reduced electrolyte leakage and membrane damage under pH stress.
- Silicon enhanced α-amylase, protease, soluble sugars and total protein in seedlings.
- Silicon benefits were pH-independent, ensuring robust stress alleviation during germination.
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