Mersal, I., Seadh, S., El-Abady, M. (2015). GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOR RESPONSE OF WHEAT SEED TREATMENT METHODS TO SALINITY STRESS CONDITIONS. Journal of Plant Production, 6(4), 645-663. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2015.49588
I. F. Mersal; S. E. Seadh; M. I. El-Abady. "GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOR RESPONSE OF WHEAT SEED TREATMENT METHODS TO SALINITY STRESS CONDITIONS". Journal of Plant Production, 6, 4, 2015, 645-663. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2015.49588
Mersal, I., Seadh, S., El-Abady, M. (2015). 'GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOR RESPONSE OF WHEAT SEED TREATMENT METHODS TO SALINITY STRESS CONDITIONS', Journal of Plant Production, 6(4), pp. 645-663. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2015.49588
Mersal, I., Seadh, S., El-Abady, M. GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOR RESPONSE OF WHEAT SEED TREATMENT METHODS TO SALINITY STRESS CONDITIONS. Journal of Plant Production, 2015; 6(4): 645-663. doi: 10.21608/jpp.2015.49588
GERMINATION AND SEEDLING VIGOR RESPONSE OF WHEAT SEED TREATMENT METHODS TO SALINITY STRESS CONDITIONS
1Seed Technology Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
2Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Abstract
Development of field crops tolerant to environmental stresses is considered a promising approach, which may contribute to increase its productivity under stress conditions. But, use of some seed treatment methods may be help to improve plant tolerance of salinity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate some seed treatment methods to alleviate the harmful effect of salinity on seed germination and seedling vigor of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Laboratory experiment, followed by pot experiment was conducted in 2013 year at laboratory natural conditions of Seed Technology Research Unit in Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. Seeds of wheat (cv. Miser 1) were treated with humic acid (in the form of Actosol) at the recommended concentration (5 ml-1water) for 12 hour by different methods (soaking, priming and dressing). Germination and seedling vigor under control (4 dsm-1) and saline (6, 8, 10, 12 dsm-1) conditions were studied to determine the usefulness of those methods in increasing relative salt-tolerance. Seedlings of treated seed of pot experiment sprayed with humic acid after 15 days from sowing.
The results showed that the best values of germination percentage, mean germination time, shoot length, root length and seedling dry weight were recorded when wheat seeds soaked in humic acid, followed by priming in humic acid solution. While, dressing seeds with humic acid method was the inferior one. Combination of soaking seeds and foliar application of seedlings with humic acid was more effective on seedling vigor as compared to soaking or priming seeds alone. The pre-sowing seed treatment which is an easy and low risk technique may be used as an alternative approach to alleviate agricultural salinity stress.