Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Ph.D. Student, Department of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Young Researcher Club Member Talent and Elitest, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Student, Department of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Young Researcher Club Member Talent and Elitest, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

To study the effects of priming on seed germination traits of sainfoin 'Eski', a factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the laboratory of agricultural research center of Sari in 2011. Treatments consisted of polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) at 5 and 10%, potassium nitrate (KNO3) at 5 and 10% and potassium chloride (KCl) at 5 and 10% levels and 6, 12 and 24 hours of treatment duration. The most significant interaction of time × priming vigor, root length and germination rate was achieved by priming solution containing PEG 10% for 12 hours. The highest germination percentage and total number of seedlings was achieved by 5 and 10% PEG for 6 and 12 hours and the least with a solution of KCl 10% for 6 hours, respectively. The highest shoot length and seedling length was obtained at PEG 10% for 12 hours and the least at KCl 10% for 24 hours. The highest and lowest number of normal seedlings, were observed by a solution of PEG 10% for 12 hours and KCl 10% for 24 hours, respectively. The highest R/S ratio was obtained in a solution of PEG 5% for 6 hours and the lowest ratio was observed in the solution of KNO3 10%. The lowest weight ratio of R/S was obtained in a solution of KNO3 and KCl 10% for 6 and 24 hours and the highest dry weight of R/S in priming with PEG 10% for 12 hours.

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