Optimization of Seed Priming Protocols for Enhance Germination and Vigour of Oat Seeds (Avena sativa L.)

Unfavourable environmental conditions (high temperature, high moisture, and drought) during seed growth and development in the field and seed storage in storehouse can reduce germination, vigour and processing quality of seeds of field crops. Priming stimulates germination by inducing a variety of metabolic changes in the seed leading to improved germination, increased germination rate, and germination in a wider range of conditions. In the present research work, we made an attempt to test 26 different seed treatment viz., hydropriming, thermo-priming, pre-chilling for enhancement of seed quality, germinability of oat seeds. We hypothesized that seed priming lead to enhance seed quality attributes of oat seeds enhancing seed vigour and germination. Seed priming studies revealed that out of 26 different seed treatments, first count was found to be maximum for thermopriming of seeds at 40oC for 36 hrs (94.50%) followed by thermopriming of seed at 35oC for 12 hrs (94.00%), with increment over control in the tune of 3.8% and 3.29%, respectively. Germination percentage observation revealed superior performance of thermopriming of seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs (96.00%), followed by thermopriming of seeds at 40oC for 6 hrs (95.50%), with increment over control in the tune of 3.7% and 3.24%, respectively. Seed vigour studies revealed superior performance for seed vigour index I for thermopriming of seed at 45oC for 36 hrs (3998.44) with increment over control in the tune of 27.84 %. Seed vigour index II found superior for thermopriming of seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs (13.89), with increment over control in the tune of 17.31%. Time for maximum number of radicle emergence studies revealed superior performance of thermopriming of seed at 30ºC for 6 hrs (77.88 hrs), with increment over control in the tune of 52.70%. Therefore, thermopriming of oat seeds at 35oC for 12 hrs is recommended for seed treatment to enhance germination and seed vigour of oat seed consequently resulting into better final plant stand establishment and seed yield.