Seed priming methods have been used
to increase germination characteristics under stress conditions. The
effects of drought stress (0, -4, -8, -12 and -16 bar) and salicylic
acid 25 ppm at 15 °C for 15 h and
ascorbic acid 25 ppm at 15 °C for 15 h
on germination percentage, germination index,
means time to germination, normal
seedling percentage and enzyme activity were
assessed in the laboratory for
sorghum seeds (Sorghum bicolor L.).
Results showed that the highest
germination percentage (83.33%), normal
seedling percentage (69.67%), germination index (25.29) and the
minimum means time to germination (2.87) were attained from
priming with salicylic acid in
control conditions. Therefore, seed priming
significantly (p≤ 0.01) increased germination characteristics as
compared to the unprimed under drought stress. Also, priming increased
catalase and ascorbate peroxidase as compared to the unprimed seeds.
