Phytopriming Technique for Enhancing Seed Germination and Secondary Metabolites Production in Sand Daffodil

Abstract The Sea Daffodil ( Pancratium maritimum L.) is an endangered medicinal plant species that is currently facing several challenges such as overgrazing for pharmaceutical purposes, climate change, and depletion of natural resources. To address these challenges, seed priming techniques utilizing natural bio-simulating substances have emerged as an effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient alternative to chemical methods. These techniques aim to enhance seed quality, promote plant growth, and increase the production of bioactive compounds in P. maritimum. Involves the use of distilled water, and phytopriming, which involves the use of P. maritimum aqueous extract with concentrations of 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% derived from P. maritimum , as seed priming agents to achieve the goals. The results of the study revealed that both hydropriming and phytopriming techniques had positive impacts on certain germination parameters, although the effects varied for different parameters. Additionally, it was observed that coated seeds exhibited more significant changes in germination parameters compared to uncoated seeds. Furthermore, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of P. maritimum treated with various phytopriming methods demonstrated an increase in the total alkaloid content, as well as the levels of pancratistatin, lycorine, and antioxidants, when compared to hydropriming treatment and the control group. The application of P. maritimum aqueous extract as a natural bio-simulating agent represents an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture in the field of phytotechnology. This technique can effectively enhance the production of secondary metabolites in P. maritimum , thereby furthering the development and utilization of this valuable medicinal plant.