Effects of Hydro-priming and Osmo-priming on Germination Characteristics of Foeniculum vulgare under Cu(SO4) Stress

Heavy metals have an important contribution regarding germination of seeds. Copper, acting asmicronutrient, increased the germination rate at its low concentrations which had a stimulating effect on theplants. Copper has a negative effect on plants at high concentrations: shorter length of shoots and roots,decrease in Seedling dry weight and low germination rate.Seed priming technique has been known as achallenge to improve germination and seedling emergence under different environmental stress conditions.The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Hydro-priming and Osmo-priming ongermination characteristics of Foeniculum vulgare under Cu(SO4) stress. The experimental design wasfactorialcompletely randomized design with three replications was conducted at the laboratory ofbiotechnology of Kermanshah Technical and vocational central office in 2017.The first factor was 5 levelsof Cu(SO4) stress (0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mg/lit), and the second factor was consist Hydro-priming, potassiumnitrate 1%, potassium chloride 1% ,calcium chloride 1% and control (non-priming). Results showed thatwith increasing levels of Cu(SO4) stress, germination characteristics reduced and usingof osmo-primng and hydro prime increased germination characteristics. The highestgermination percentage, seedling length and seedling dry weight were attained from Hydro-priming. UnderCu(SO4) stress condition, hydro-priming improved all germination indices compared with control (nonpriming).

Keywords:

Germination percentage , Medicinal plants , Seedling dry weight , Seedling length