Solid Matrix Priming Treatment with O2 Enhanced Quality of Leek Seed Lots

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of solid matrix priming (SMP) treatment with an air composition of O 2 , N 2 , air, vacuum on four leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.) seed lots of various ages, in terms of enhancing germination, mean germination time, electrical conductivity of solute leakage and catalase activity. Untreated seeds were used as control. Solid matrix priming at a seed: vermiculite: water ratio of 2.5:1.25:3.75 (w/w/w) was applied at 20 °C for 24 hours in the dark. Solid matrix priming with O 2 was found to give the highest germination, lowest mean germination time, lowest electrical conductivity (reduced solute leakage) and the highest catalase activity among all treatments and lots. SMP treatment with air provided positive response, while N 2 and vacuum treatments were found to be less effective. The advantages of solid matrix priming were more pronounced in lower quality lot than in the higher quality ones. The results indicated that oxygen enrichment in SMP may enhance leek seed quality.

Factors Influencing Seed Dormancy and Germination and Advances in Seed Priming Technology

“…It has been shown that the seeds subjected to SMP exhibit a higher germination rate, a shorter germination time, and lower electrical conductivity values [97]. Furthermore, SMP media with other components, such as an Na-based hydrogel (sodium polyacrylate) and O 2 , were found to yield more effective results, particularly pronounced in lower-quality seeds [98,99].…”

Solid Matrix Priming: An Effective Technique Used for Improvement in Seed Emergence, Vigor and Seedling Growth of Vegetable Crops

“…It is also useful for increasing germination percentage and germination rates in many crop seeds. Rapid germination after SMP will mostly result in larger seedlings and well-developed transplants in the modules in a shorter period (Ozden et al, 2018). Many vegetable crops benefit greatly from solid matrix priming in terms of seed germination, seedling growth and protection from different biotic and abiotic stresses (Table 1 and Figure 1).…”

“…Seeds of various species showed remarkable ultrastructural changes when treated with solid matrix priming (Ashraf & Foolad., 2005). SMP with O2 increase seed germination of aged leek seeds by initiating cell repair mechanisms (reduced solute leakage, increase antioxidant enzyme activity) as it improves seed respiration important for many metabolic activities (ATP) by transferring oxygen across seed coat to respiratory substrates (Ozden et al, 2018). In broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and cauliflower seedlings, SMP treatment increased peroxidase and catalase activity, as well as soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein content (Wu et al, 2019).…”

“…Specific pathways and activity of various enzymes provide these food stores to the seed embryo (Miransari & Smith, 2014). Seeds with a low germination rate had lower enzyme activity and higher electrolyte leakage, which is associated with cell damage and necrosis, pathogenic fungus growth, and necrotization of the entire seed (Ozden et al, 2018).…”

Molecular dynamics of seed priming at the crossroads between basic and applied research

“…They can be combined to strengthen the priming effect as reported by Madsen et al ( 2018 ), who tested a mixture containing calcium bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth, compost, worm castings, non-ionic alkyl terminated block copolymer surfactant, a plant growth regulator, a fungicide, a liquid fertilizer, and tap water. SMP carried out under enriched O 2 conditions turned out to be effective on low-quality leek ( Allium ampeloprasum L.) seeds (Ozden et al 2018 ). SMP improves the pre-germinative metabolism, field emergence, and establishment, especially in horticultural crops (Grzesik and Nowak 1998 ; Lutts et al 2016 ), cereals (Hacisalihoglu et al 2018 ), and native grasses (Madsen et al 2018 ).…”