Effect of seed priming on some effective physiological parameters on seed germination of pea (Pisum sativum L.) under chilling stress

In order to evaluate the effect of seed priming on some effective physiological parameters on seed germination of pea (Pisum sativum L.) under chilling stress، a factorial experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with four replications. Treatments were consisted of priming treatments (hydropriming، halopriming، osmopriming and no priming) and temperature (3، 6، 9، 12 and 15 ˚c). Results showed that chilling stress caused a linearly decline of germination rate. The maximum germination rate achieved with hydropriming treatment. Also، hydropriming treatment prevented the reduction of germination percentage at 3˚C with no significant difference with halopriming treatment. The maximum vigor index was observed for halopriming. Reduction of temperature resulted in proline and activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes increasing in all priming treatments. Polyethyleneglycol not only had no effect on seeds germination، but also reduced germination parameters of pea in some temperatures. In conclusion، hydropriming and halopriming treatments are suitable for physiological parameters، germination rate and percentage improvement of pea seeds under chilling stress conditions that they can provide establishment and better growth of this plant under cold stress. This method could be appropriate for increasing the rotational potential of this plant as green manure in cold and mild regions of the country.