Physiological, biochemical and enzymatic quality parameters of primed seed of rapeseed-mustard genotypes

High-quality seed of improved genotypes is a critical key to well attract the consumers. Therefore, a two-year laboratory experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India in 2018 and 2019 in a triplicated factorial completely randomized design to determine the quality parameters of the newly produced seeds from plants of six rapeseed-mustard genotypes (Anushka and Sanchita (rapeseed), TBM-204 and TBM-143 (yellow seed coated mustard), Kranti and Pusa Bold (black seed coated mustard)) grown under five seed priming (KH₂PO₄ (0.15 mol), KNO₃ (0.1 mol), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (-0.3 MPa), distilled water, and dry seed). Pusa Bold was recognized to have greater germination percentage under application of KH₂PO₄ (86.32%). Further, KH₂PO₄ registered high root length (TBM-204) and seedlings fresh (TBM-204) and dry weights (Pusa Bold). Pusa Bold under application of KH₂PO₄ also expressed the highest soluble protein (23.05%), while Anushka had maximum oil content under seed treatment with KH₂PO₄ (46.30%) as well as lowest electrical conductivity (0.91 µS m^{- 1} g^{- 1}). Additionally, KH₂PO₄ had more impact on Pusa Bold regarding α- amylase activity, while TBM-143 treated with KH₂PO₄ recorded highest peroxidase activity. So, using KH₂PO₄ to prime Pusa Bold seeds can be an effective way to enhance germination, seedling vigour, and biochemical characteristics, which will increase oilseed crop productivity and quality. By encouraging sustainable agriculture and raising crop production, this strategy supports the UN sustainable development goal (SDG) 2 (zero hunger). Additionally, it meets SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) through sustainable resource management and decreased environmental effect by optimizing input consumption and improving seed performance without genetic modification or excessive chemical use.