Responses of germination characteristics and antioxidant enzymes activity to different levels of hydro-priming and seed ageing in three maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Seed storage at unfavorable conditions of high humidity and temperature is a difficulty which decreases seed vigor and/or seed viability. Current experiment was conducted to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes and seed germination characteristics after ageing on maize seeds (Zea mays L.) in the research laboratory of Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. A three-factorial experiment was performed with completely randomized design with three replications, using three maize hybrids (SC704, SC647, SC260), and three levels of accelerated ageing (non-aged, artificially aged for 3 and 6 days at 45 oC temperature and 98% relative humidity). The hydro-priming was performed at different durations (0, 12 and 24 hours). Results indicated that germination characteristics of maize seeds were considerably affected by priming time periods. The germination characteristics of deteriorated seeds were significantly enhanced by hydro-priming, especially in 24 h priming. The highest germination characteristics and seedling length were obtained in the control (non-aged) seeds which were primed for 24 h. The lowest germination performance was obtained for the non-primed seeds after 6 days of ageing. The catalase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of aged maize seeds were restored partially by hydro-priming. In fact, ageing-associated MDA decreased by priming. The results suggested that hydro-priming could improve deteriorated seed performance.