Effect of various seed priming techniques on germination and vigor of spinach beet seeds in storage

The spinach beet plant is cultivated from seeds; however, it faces challenges related to low germination rates, which present a considerable constraint on spinach beet production. This issue is primarily attributed to the coat-imposed dormancy of the seeds. Priming is one of the methods to release seed dormancy and increase germination. However, the seeds that have been primed typically degrade and lose the advantageous effects of priming in storage. As a result, it is crucial to establish the duration for which the beneficial effects of priming can be retained in primed seeds kept at room temperature. This study aimed to enhance the germination and vigor of spinach beet seeds, and further storage duration of primed spinach beet seeds was evaluated. Initially, 25 treatments were conducted, of which seven best treatments were selected based on germination and seedling growth parameters for further experimentation with control. The most effective treatment for seed germination and vigor parameters was seed priming with nano urea (0.2%), hydro-electro-priming (HEP at 15 V for 2 min), and seaweed extract (0.3%). During storage, the positive effects of priming were notably reduced, which directly impacted seed germination, seed vigor, and activity levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). T4 (HEP at 15 V for 2 min) outperformed other treatments in preserving seeds after priming, demonstrating significant viability up to three months. This innovative, eco-friendly, and easy method boosts seed germination in spinach beet seeds. This study suggests that researchers and farmers can utilize this technique to enhance germination rates and reduce seed loss during storage, leading to healthier crops and a more sustainable future.