Evaluation of Quality and Quantity on Germination and Growth of Thymus vulgaris L. under Priming Conditions

Abolghasem Gharakhani¹, Mehrdad Ataie Kachoie^1*and Bahram Majde Nasiri²

¹Department of Seed Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shareakord, Iran.

²Isfahan Agriculture Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2195

ABSTRACT: In order to examine the effect of priming on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of germination and growth of the experimental Thymus vulgaris L. in cultivation year of 1393 in cultivation lab of agriculture faculty of Shahrekord University. This factorial experiment was done in a completely randomized design with four replications. The factors included the priming temperature (15° & 25°C), the priming time (1/2 & 2/4) and osmo-priming (control, Hydro-priming, 0, -0/3, -0/6, -0/9, -1/2 and -1/5-mega-Pascal) provided by Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). The examinable traits included germination percentage and rapidity, the plantlet length and dry weight and the seed ability. The data were analyzed by Minitab software. The average comparison was conducted by LSD test in level of %5. The results revealed that applying the priming with Polyethylene glycol had a significant effect on germination percentage, germination rapidity, and seedling length and seed vigor. In addition, temperature decrease from 250 to 150 had a significant and positive effect on germination percentage, germination rapidity, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seed vigor. Increasing the time of prime from 12 to 24 hours, the germination percentage, germination rapidity, seedling length and seed vigor were decreased significantly, but it had no significant effect on seedling dry weight. Priming led to monotone-ness in germination and establishment the bushes and increased the control of water absorption in seed during the processes of germination. Determining the appropriate time for priming can reduce the negative effects of stressors such as salinity. Generally, it can be said that seed priming enjoys several benefits and plays an effective role in stimulating the metabolic activities and induction of germination.

KEYWORDS: Polyethylene Glycol; Germination Percentage; Germination Rapidity; Seed vigor

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