Seed priming improves seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower under saline conditions

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oil seed crop that is produced mainly due to its high oil content that is consumed by humans in different ways. However, because of the high lipid content in sunflower, the seeds are more liable to reduce their quality during short-term storage as a result of oxidation due to temperature changes or moisture content. Additionally, salinity can hinder sunflower productivity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of seed halopriming on the germination of sunflowers after storage (manuscript one) and seedling establishment during the early growth stage under salinity conditions (manuscript two). The results from the first manuscript indicated that seed halopriming improved the germination of primed seeds compared to control seeds, and also increased antioxidant enzymatic activity in primed seeds compared to the control. The results of the second manuscript illustrate that seedlings from primed seeds were more tolerant to higher salinity concentrations by increasing their enzymatic activity. Altogether, it can be concluded that seed halopriming is a cost-effective, simple, and efficient technique for improving the germination and seedling growth of sunflowers under stressful conditions.