Can priming with ascorbic acid or nitric oxide improve the germinability of stored sunflower seeds?

Abstract: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a relevant oilseed species used as feed in human and animal nutrition multiple industrial applications. However, oilseeds need to deal with the loss of vigor when propagule, due seed physiological quality (viability vigor) caused by deterioration events. We have evaluated present study effects seeds priming techniques (water, ascorbic acid, sodium nitroprusside) on vigor, germination, antioxidant enzymes membrane integrity stored sunflower hybrid HELIO 251 seeds. Germination parameters showed that non-primed (control) delayed germination almost 72 h while all primed germinated 100% 24 h. Electrolyte leakage malondialdehyde levels were higher indicating degree damage. An increase activity catalase ascorbate peroxidase was also observed after 8 imbibition compared Regarding superoxide dismutase, there no significant differences between treatments imbibition, whereas highest Therefore, it can be concluded acid or nitroprusside exhibited better performance seeds, probably resulting from lower accumulation reactive oxygen consequent reduced oxidative damage an efficient enzyme system.