Incorporation of Polyamines in the Priming Media Enhances the Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Hybrid Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the benefits (if any) associated with the incorporation of polyamines in the priming media for hybrid sunflower achene priming. Achenes were subjected to hydropriming for 24 h and in the solutions containing 10 mg L spermidine and putrescine for 24 h. All the achene priming treatments resulted in improved germination and early seedling growth. Priming in spermidine solution resulted in lower time to start emergence, time taken 50% emergence and mean emergence time and energy of emergence, emergence index, root and shoot length and seedling fresh and dry weight than all other treatments including control. However, hydroprimed achenes resulted in maximum final emergence and leaf score; while priming in putrescine solution resulted in maximum number of roots.