Unveiling the potential of silicic and humic acid priming in alleviating salinity stress on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination in a hydroponic system

Seed priming enhances seed quality, and is crucial for plant development under stresses like salinity, heat, and drought. This study examines silicic and humic acid (HA+SA) treatment on lentil seeds under salinity stress, focusing on susceptible (PSL-9, PDL-1) and tolerant (IPL-316) varieties. Priming agents included silicic acid (3mM, 18 hours), humic acid (600 ppm, 18 hours), and their combination (100 ppm+1mM HA + SA, 16 hours). Seedling survival under salinity stress (100, 120, 140 mM) was evaluated under hydroponics conditions. Salinity stress significantly reduced seed quality and physiobiochemical parameters in unprimed control seeds, especially in PDL-1 and PSL-9, compared to IPL-316. Higher seedling percentage and growth were noted in IPL-316 seeds primed with HA + SA under salinity stress. This improvement is due to better photoactivation of PS-I and PS-II, ROS activity, and antioxidant availability, enhancing seedling growth under salinity. The study highlights the importance of SA and HA priming agents in promoting seedling growth under salinity stress.