Effect of Hydropriming and Osmopriming on the Germination and Seedling Vigor of the East Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album L.)

The natural populations of East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) are very confined and facing a drastic decline over the past three decades due to overexploitation. Santalum L. seeds, in general, have poor staggered germination, which is major constraint raising seedlings nursery establishing plantations. In present investigation, we studied impact hydro- osmopriming on germination attributes seedling performance Polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) solutions at four concentrations 5, 10, 15, 20% durations 2, 4, 6, 8 days hydropriming for same were applied. Results indicated that seeds PEG 5% 2 recorded highest (79%), 42% higher than control group. Longer priming times (6–8 days) had no effect or negatively affected growth. Moreover, significant percentage seeds. positive growth after was connected with β-amylase content, carbohydrate fat lower electrical conductance Osmopriming can be recommended as suitable low-cost technology enhancing seed produce quality planting material. Further testing osmoprimed under abiotic stress conditions may help explore its possible acclimation potential resistance.