Effect of seed vigor on the hydro-priming usefulness associated with morphological and biochemical indices of two varieties of Canola

Nowadays, hydro-priming has been known as a simple and inexpensive way for improving the efficiency of the seed. To evaluate the effects of seed vigor of two canola cultivars on the hydro-priming effectiveness, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete design, with four replications. Experimental factors included two cultivars of rapeseed (Okapi and Opera), three levels of seed vigor (control, 2 and 4 days aging) and pre-treatment (non-priming and hydro-priming). With decreasing the seed vigor level, Germination and seedling growth indices of Opera was further declined. On the other hand, the more promotive effects of hydro-priming were found on seed germination percentage and germination rate and seedling dry weight of the Okapi. In the third level of seed vigor, the positive effects of hydro-priming on germination and seedling growth indices were significantly reduced. Increasing amount of the soluble sugars and decrease of the total protein content and catalase activity in deteriorated canola seeds occurred. Hydro-priming partly eliminated adverse effects of seed deterioration. So that highest soluble sugars (2.82) and the lowest total protein (1.08) and catalase activity (0.021) were observed in seedlings produced from more deteriorated non-primed seed lot. Finally, according to the results of this study, it can be mentioned that priming is useful at least in relation with repair of injuries induced by seed deterioration.