Effects of Osmo- and Hydro-priming on Seed Parameters of Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Abstract

The influence of priming treatments and subsequent accelerated aging on seed parameters of grain sorghum was investigated. Seeds of sorghum were treated by osmo-priming (polyethylene glycol 6000 solution with osmotic potential -1.5 MPa) and hydro-priming for different time (12, 24 and 36 hours). Both osmo- and hydro-priming improved the percentage and mean emergence time (MET) of seeds at sub- optimal temperature of 15 C. Seed treatment for 12 and 24 hours had a ° positive statistically significant effect on percentage and speed emergence. Nevertheless priming for 36 hours failed to improve emergence percentage and mean emergence time (MET). After receiving accelerated aging, osmo- and hydro - primed seeds showed a lower emergence percentage and longer mean emergence time (MET) than their non - aged counterparts. Moreover, treated seeds subjected to accelerated aging showed lower emergence responses than aged control seeds, which was particularly clear for hydro - primed seeds.