Comprehensive Assessment of Seed Vigor in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using Tetrazolium Test and Antioxidant Biomarkers

Seed aging is a critical factor that adversely affects germination and seed vigor by causing oxidative damage and biochemical deterioration. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of various seed priming treatments in mitigating the negative effects of accelerated aging in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A factorial experiment, arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications, was conducted at Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Iran, in 2025. The treatments included three aging durations (0, 256, and 277 h) and five priming methods (control, hydro-, osmo-, hormone-, and halo-priming). Physiological and biochemical indicators, including the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase), malondialdehyde (MDA), Maillard reaction products, and formazan accumulation assessed via tetrazolium staining, were analyzed. Aging significantly increased MDA and Maillard products while reducing enzyme activities and seedling vigor. Priming, particularly hormone priming, substantially enhanced antioxidant defenses and decreased oxidative markers. Strong positive correlations were observed between tetrazolium staining (formazan content and color intensity) and seed vigor traits, confirming the potential of tetrazolium-based assays as rapid and reliable indicators of seed quality. Overall, the results highlight the efficacy of priming strategies and the value of integrating biochemical and histochemical markers for assessing seed viability under aging stress.