Seed Deteriorationandpriming

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Seed deterioration and priming-An Overview
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SKUAST Journal of Research 19(1): 12-21; (2017) Review Paper
Seed deterioration and priming - An Overview
F.A. Khan*, S.A. Bhat, Sumati Narayan2, Rifat Maqbool, Imtiyaz Murtuza and F.U. Khan3
Division of Post Harvest Technolog,2Division of Vegetable Science, 3Division of Floriculture and Landscape
Architecture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir,
Shalimar-190 025, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (India)
*e-mail: drkhan_387@skuastkashmir.ac.in
(Received 23 September, 2016; accepted 12 January, 2017)
ABSTRACT
Seed vigour is an important quality parameter of seeds quality and plays an

important role in the production of agronomic and horticultural crops. In
order to enable the farming community to get superior seeds their quality in
terms of viability, germinability and vigour need to be evaluated to gain
insight into the performance of a seed lot in the field or in storage. However,
Downloaded From IP - 14.139.231.178 on dated 24-Mar-2017
seed quality declined during field weathering, harvesting and/or storage and
results in a serious economic loss. Through knowing the sources and
mechanism of the loss, seed quality deterioration may be at least reduced or
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slowed down if not completely stopped. Besides the field management

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strategies, seed quality can also be improved through various seed priming
techniques. Testing of seed vigor to predict the seed performance under a
wide range of environment s is also an important issue. The present article
describes about the various types of seed deterioration taking place and
different priming techniques used to improve the vigor of normal as well as
poor or deteriorated seeds. In addition, the present review also reports about
the available vigor testing techniques.
Key words: Ageing, deterioration, priming, seed quality and vigor
High physiological potential of seeds with rapid and uniform field emergence is a fundamental requisite for a
good crop establishment, especially under adverse environmental conditions. Quality seed comprises those
properties, which determine the potential for rapid uniform emergence and development of normal seedlings
under a wide range of field conditions (ASPB, 2003). However, seed quality declines during field
weathering, harvesting and/or storage (Farhadi et al., 2012) unless special precautions are taken and the
annual losses due to seed deterioration can be as much as 25% of the harvested crop. As seed deterioration
increases, seed performance is progressively decreased. It is one of the basic reasons for low productivity
(Shelar et al., 2008). Indeed seed deterioration due to ageing is an inexorable phenomenon and the best that
can be done is to lower its rate (Coolbear, 1995). It is a serious problem particularly in developing countries
where seeds are stored in places usually without a proper control of air humidity, temperature and O2/CO2
concentration. Further, measurement of physiological potential of seed in terms of germinability and seedling
establishment is an important aspect in seed deterioration and invigoration studies. The objective of the
present article is to synthesize and update the available information in this regard for further use of research
and developmental studies.
Seed Deterioration: Seed deterioration may be defined as the loss of seed quality (vigor and viability) due to
effect of ageing as well as adverse environmental factors particularly higher temperature, relative air
humidity and oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio during pre-harvest (field weathering), harvest (handling) and post-
harvest (storage) periods ( Kapoor et al, 2010; Farhadi et al., 2012; Jyoti and Malik, 2013). Deteriorative
changes enhance when seed exposure to external challenges increases thus decrease the ability of the seed to
survive. The process has been described as cumulative, irreversible, degenerative and inexorable (Kapoor et
al., 2011). The process is a separate event from seed development and germination. Progressive loss of seed
quality due to impairment of the structure and functions of seed with passing of time which ultimately leads
to the loss of seed viability is termed as seed ageing (Mohamed, 1991). Loss of seed quality due to ageing as
F.A. Khan et al. 13
well as adverse conditions has been attributed to a series of metabolic defects accumulated in embryonic and
non-embryonic structures (Sisman, 2005; Khan et al, 2016a). At the cellular level, seed ageing is associated
with various alterations including membrane disruption, solute leakage, reduced energy metabolism,
impairment of RNA and protein synthesis, and DNA degradation (Kibinza et al., 2006; Jyoti and Malik,
2013) resulting in several detrimental effects on seed. Deterioration caused by field weathering is directly
related to seed exposure to adverse conditions. However, the seed quality and viability during storage depend
upon the initial quality of seed and the manner in which it is stored (Jyoti and Malik, 2013).
Field Weathering: The physiological quality of seeds depends on the weather conditions prior to harvesting
(Padua et al., 2009). The deterioration of seed quality, vigor and viability, due to high relative humidity and
high temperature during the post-maturation and pre-harvest period is referred to as field weathering (Bhatia
et al., 2010). The period between the physiological maturity of crop and harvesting is considered as weather-
prone. High rainfall, elevated temperature, R.H. and prolonged photoperiod are pre-harvest factors, cause
seed quality loss following physiological maturity. However, moisture on seeds during ripening appears to
exert the major influence on predisposition of seed to weathering. Adverse environmental conditions during
seed filling and maturation result in forced seed maturation, which is associated with low yields, leading to a
significant decrease in quality and an extensive reduction in the crop productivity (Franca-Neto et al., 2005;
Padua et al., 2009). After physiological maturity if the seeds are retained on mother plant seeds will
deteriorate, physiological changes in seed may lead to formation of rigid seeds or off color seeds (Khatun
et al., 2009). Delayed harvesting beyond physiological maturity amplified the crop exposure to field weather
which further aggravates the loss of seed quality. Weathering-induced seed damage not only lowers seed
germinability, but also become prone to mechanical damage and infection.
Harvest and Post-harvest Deterioration: Harvest and post-harvest handling of seeds include harvesting,
threshing, machinery processing, seed collection, storing, transporting, drying and marketing which greatly
influence seed quality and viability. A better quality of sees may not be achieved if proper post harvest
handling is not performed. Seed deterioration due to mechanical operations is one of the major concern and
largely depends on how dry are the seeds? A safe moisture level for seed collections in the field is around
50% equilibrium relative humidity (eRH) and seed life span approximately doubles for every 10% reduction
in seed eRH (Anonymous, 2014). Over-drying of seeds increases the chance of mechanical damage and
injuries in the form of physical damage or fracturing of essential seed parts. Physical seed damage is also
exhibited as splitting of the cotyledon, shattered and broken seeds. Broken seed coats permits early entry and
easy access for harmful microflora, make the seed vulnerable to fungal attack and reduce storage potential
(Shelar, 2008). Large seeded varieties are more sensitive to mechanical damage than small seeds.
Storage Damage: Storability of seeds is mainly a genetically regulated character and is influenced by quality
of the seed at the time of storage, pre-storage history of seed (environmental factors during pre- and post-
harvest stages), moisture content of seed or ambient relative humidity, temperature of storage environment,
duration of storage and biotic agents (Balesevic-Tubic -Tubic et al., 2005; Shelar et al., 2008; Khatun et al.,
2009; Biabani et al., 2011; Kapoor et al., 2011). Storage life of seeds doubled with each 1% reduction in seed
moisture or each 5ºC reduction in temperature (Harrington, 1972). The seeds rich in lipids have limited
longevity due to their specific chemical composition and lead to loss of germination ability and viability
(Priestley, 1986; Balesevic-Tubic et al., 2007). The main external factors causing seed deterioration during
storage are high temperature, R.H. and O2/CO2 concentration which increase the respiration rate causing
seeds to deteriorate more rapidly (Goel et al., 2003; Kapoor et al., 2010) and therefore, possibility to regulate
these factors makes the basis for longer seed storage (Mohammadi et al., 2011). However, these
environmental conditions are very difficult to maintain during storage and also damage of seed during
storage is inevitable (Balesevic-Tubic et al., 2005). After planting of deteriorated seeds, seedling emergence
may be poor and transmission of pathogens to the new crop may occur.
Seed Priming: Seed priming is a controlled hydration technique where seeds are partly hydrated to allow
metabolic events to occur without germination and are then re-dried to permit routine handling (Bradford,
1986). Primed seeds usually have higher and synchronized germination (Farooq et al., 2009a) owing to
simply a reduction in the lag time of imbibition taking place (McDonald, 2000; Brock-lehurst and Dearman,
2008), buildup of germination-enhancing metabolites (Farooq et al., 2006), metabolic repair during
imbibition (Burgass and Powel, 1984; Bray et al., 1989) and osmotic adjustment (Bradford, 1986). To control
hydration seeds are placed in solutions with high osmotic potential. This prevents seeds from entering Phase
III of hydration by extending and holding seeds within the lag phase (Phase II) (Taylor et al., 1998). As seeds
14 Seed deterioration and priming
are metabolically active during this period, they convert stored reserves for germination such that membrane
and genetic repair is better than under normal imbibition. Seeds are then removed from the priming solution,
rinsed with water and dried. Such seeds germinate faster than nonprime seeds. Currently seed priming is a
well recognized technique to improve the seed vigor with quick and synchronized germination over a range
of environmental conditions (Nawaz et al., 2013; Singh et al., 2015). Priming of seeds has been reported to
reverse some of the ageing-induced deteriorative events and thus improve seed performance (Taylor et al.,
1998) through repair of the age-related cellular and sub-cellular damage (proteins, RNA and DNA) of low
vigor seeds that might have accumulated during seed development (Bray, 1995; Koehler et al., 1997). Many
seed priming treatments have been used to reduce the damage of ageing and invigorate their performance in
many crops (Farooq et al., 2009b). Based on the priming materials used seed priming can be accomplished
by different means as detailed below:
Hydropriming: Hydropriming introduces liquid water to seeds in controlled and precise amounts to achieve a
desired level of hydration (McDonald, 1999). It is also known as drum priming because a drum is used for
continuous or successive addition of a limited amount of water to the seeds. However, water can also be
applied by humid air. On-farm steeping is a cheap and useful technique of hydropriming that is practiced by
incubating seeds for a limited time in warm water. This process is especially useful in economically
disadvantaged, arid crop growing areas. Hydropriming allows the seeds to quickly reach a high level of
moisture with a constant supply of oxygen, thus increasing the level of metabolites associated with the
germination process (intermediate metabolites) and enzymes associated with the production of energy
(Duffus and Slaughter, 1985).

Osmopriming: Osmopriming also known as osmoconditioning is a conventional way of seed priming and
considered as the standard priming technique. It may be described as a pre-sowing seed treatment in osmotic
solution of low water potential, usually polyethylene glycol (PEG) followed by re-drying, which allows seeds
pre-germinative metabolic activities to proceed (first stage of germination) but prevents radicle protrusion
through the seed coat (Selvarani and Umarani, 2011). Polyethylene glycol (PEG), mannitol, or salts are
generally used to lower water potentials of the solutions. The process can improve the speed and uniformity
of germination, especially under adverse conditions (Pill et al., 1991).
Matripriming: Matripriming, matriconditioning or solid matrix priming (SMP) is a process in which seeds
are mixed with a solid, insoluble matrix (vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, cross-linked highly water-
absorbent polymers) with a limited amount of water (Taylor et al., 1988; Hardegree and Emmerich, 1992).
Moist solid matrix has the ability to create matrix forces to hold water and facilitate its slow absorption
(imbibition) by the seed and attain threshold moisture content, but prevents radicle emergence (Taylor et al,
1998). After treatment the seed is separated from the solid carrier, washed and allowed to dry. Matripriming
mimics the natural process of imbibition from soil particles by mixing seeds with solid materials containing
water to control water uptake by seeds. SMP has been highly effective in improving the emergence and stand
establishment of many vegetable crops (Taylor et al., 1988; Parera Mereddy et al., 2000). The choice of a
carrier (priming agent) for SMP has a significant effect on the performance of seeds because of the
differences in pH and chemical composition of the priming agent.
Nutripriming: The use of micronutrient enriched seeds for seed priming has been reported to be a better
strategy in overcoming micronutrient deficiencies (Musakhandov 1984; Harris et al. 1999). In nutripriming
of seeds plant nutrients especially micronutrients are used as osmotica (Farooq et al., 2012; Deliani and
Lagunovschi-Luchian, 2015). Several reports indicated the potential of nutripriming in improving the yields
of crop plants (Farooq et al., 2012; Deliani and Lagunovschi-Luchian, 2015). However seed damage and
germination inhibition by priming at higher nutrient concentrations (Roberts, 1948) has also been reported.
Seed treatment with micronutrients has the potential to meet crop micronutrient requirements and improve
seedling emergence and stand establishment, yield, and grain micronutrient enrichment. Seed treatment, by
seed priming seems pragmatic, inexpensive and an easy method of micronutrient delivery especially by small
landholders in developing countries.
Halopriming: Soil salinity is one of the most serious agricultural problems. Halopriming is another seed
priming technique which refers to soaking seeds in various solutions of inorganic salts like NaCl, KNO3,
CaCl2 etc and then drying of seeds to original moisture level. Halopriming facilitate the process of seed
germination and subsequent seedling emergence under adverse environmental conditions especially under
salinity (Nawaz et al. 2011b; Gholami et al., 2015; Ibrahim. 2016). The better performance of haloprimed
seeds may be due to lower electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachates, higher total and reducing sugars
F.A. Khan et al. 15
along with increased α- amylase activity (Nawaz et al. 2011b). Some salt solutions may exert direct or
indirect nutritional effects (Nawaz et al. 2013, Di Girolamo and Barbanti 2012, Manonmani et al., 2014).
Hormonal Priming: Soaking or treating of seeds in optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators
(PGRs) may improve germination, stand establishment and growth and economic yield of crop plants under
both normal and stress conditions (Ghobadi et al., 2012; Zaidi et al., 2013). Several growth regulators are
commonly used for seed priming including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acids, polyamines,
brassinilide, salicylic acid, triacontanol and ascorbic acid. Treating seeds with growth hormones improved
crop germination under stressful conditions (Zaidi et al., 2013). Incorporating PGRs and certain other organic
sources in the priming solution and other pre-sowing treatments substantially improved resistance to abiotic
stresses in many vegetable and field crops (Farooq et al., 2009c; Nawaz et al., 2011a; Hussein, 2015;
Arbaoui et al., 2015).
Biopriming: Treatment of seed with beneficial micro-organisms including fungi and bacteria (species of
Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobia etc.) ameliorates a wide variety of biotic, abiotic, and
physiological stresses to seed and seedlings (Mastouri et al., 2010; Sharma et al., 2015). Inoculation of seeds
with such biological agents in combination with priming (Biopriming) potentially enables to promote rapid
and more uniform seed germination and plants growth (Moeinzadeh et al., 2010; Parvatha Reddy, 2012).
Therefore, bio-priming may be defined as a technique of seed treatment that integrates biological (inoculation
of seed with beneficial organism to protect seed) and physiological aspects (seed hydration) of disease
control. It is recently used as an alternative method for controlling many seed- and soil-borne pathogens. It is
an ecological approach using selected fungal antagonists against the soil- and seed-borne pathogens.
Biological seed treatments may provide an alternative to chemical control.
Vermipriming: Vermipriming is an innovative addition to the existing priming methods which involves the
soaking of seeds in diluted solutions of vermiwash for a certain periods of time and then drying the seeds up
to its original weight (Khan et al., 2016b). Vermiwash is an aqueous extract of a column of freshly formed
vermicompost and surface washings of earthworms, which contain beneficial microorganisms, and water
soluble fractions of nutrient substances and considered as a plant tonic. As such priming of seeds with this
important product was expected to provide better results as compared to other priming techniques. There
have been reports on improvement of germination and seedling vigor through the use of vermin-wash as pr-
sowing seed treatment (Fathima Sekar, 2014).Vermipriming of rice seeds has been proved as an excellent
priming agent in terms of final germination percent, speed of germination as well as seedling vigor (Khan
et al., 2014).
Magneto Priming: Application of magnetic field on water had stimulatory effect with respect to increase in
seed germination because the hydrogen bond in liquid water is highly influenced by electrical and magnetic
fields (Ijaz et al., 2012) and therefore, magnetized water (water passed through magnetic field) bears
different chemical and physical properties than ordinary water. Pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds has
been shown to increase 30 to 50% germination rate of seeds (Wojcik, 1995). The magnetic stimulation of the
wheat seeds resulted in acceleration of the process of germination increase in plant height, leaf area, leaf
chlorophyll, photosynthesis and dry weight of the plants (Rathod and Anan, 2016). Although magnetic fields
speed up seed germination and plant growth, the intensity of the applied magnetic fields and the time of seed
exposure, however, vary greatly (Pietruszewski and Kania, 2010).
Phytopriming: Use of aqueous plant extract as seed priming agent may be called as phytopriming priming.
Extracts obtained from some crop and tree residues have been reported to have growth promoting (Farooq et
al., 2008; Perello et al., 2013; Jagatap et al., 2014; Imran et al., 2014; Rafi et al., 2015) as well as antifungal
(Babu et al., 2008; Perello et al., 2013; Aiyaz et al., 2015; Rafi et al., 2015) properties due to the presence of
nutrients (eg., amino acids, K, Ca, Fe, ascorbate, etc), growth regulating hormones like zeatin (Nouman et al.,
2012) and other constituents. Many researchers have shown the ability of different botanicals in improving
seed germinability potential under wide range of environmental conditions (Nouman et al., 2012; Imran
et al., 2014; Rafi et al., 2015; Masuthi et al., 2015) and also combating adverse climatic condition (Masuthi
et al., 2015). Seed germination and vigor of bell pepper was found improved by seed priming with non-toxic
and eco-friendly organic sources like Melia azedarach leaf extract 10%, Eucalyptus leaf extract 10%, garlic
clove extract 5%, cow urine 5%and cow dung extract 5% for 24 hours (Masuthi et al., 2015).
Vigor testing: Earlier seed vigor was considered as a potential for seedling establishment in the field
(Pollock and Roos, 1972) and the same idea was supported by various seed technologists. However, new
approaches (TeKrony, 2003) constituted the foundation for the current concepts of seed vigor, i.e. “seed
vigor is the sum of all those properties which determine the potential for rapid, uniform emergence, and
development of normal seedlings under a wide range of field conditions” (AOSA, 1983) and “seed vigor is
the sum of those properties that determine the activity and performance of seed lots of acceptable
germination in a wide range of environments; a vigorous seed lot is one that is potentially able to perform
well under environmental conditions which are not optimal for the species” (ISTA, 2014). The basic
objective of seed vigor testing is to provide a precise identification of important differences in physiological
potential among seed lots of commercial value, mostly those of similar germination percentage, aiming to
identify lots of higher probability to perform well after sowing and/or during storage (Filho, 2015). Early and
accurate evaluation of seed quality is essential in the planting and production of a high quality crop.
Knowing about overall seed quality will help with important crop input decisions, such as the use of seed
treatments, and maximize use of crop inputs, such as herbicides, and ensure a healthy vigorous plant stand. A
vigour test reveals a seed lot’s ability to withstand a variety of different stress factors. Vigour tests are
designed to mimic poor seeding conditions to find out how the seed lot will perform under stress. It is the
exact opposite of a germination test, where seed is grown under optimum conditions. Vigour testing is an
important component of seed testing because it is more sensitive test than germination, and because loss of
vigour may be noted much earlier than loss of germination. As a consequence, there are various techniques to
determine its assessment, including those that directly or indirectly evaluate the current seed metabolic state
to establish a relationship with seedling emergence and storability; those tests include (i) electrical
conductivity, (ii) tetrazolium, and (iii) tests that evaluate seedling growth. In contrast, some tests are
performed with the objective of identifying seed tolerance to stress (es); the more important stress tests
comprise the cold test, accelerated ageing, and controlled deterioration.
Accelerated Ageing: The accelerated ageing (AA) is a technique of seed vigor testing which was initially
developed for testing the storage potential of seeds. Subsequently, the test has been evaluated an indicator of
seed vigor in a wide range of crops (Powell and Matthews, 1981; Rodo and Filho, 2003; Kavak et al., 2007).
The principle of the method is based on the artificial acceleration of the deterioration rate of the seeds, by
exposing them to high temperature (40 - 45°C) and relative humidity (greater than 95%) levels (TeKrony,
2005; Mavi and Demir, 2007), which are considered as the most prominent environmental factors with
respect to the intensity and velocity of deterioration (Marcos Filho, 1999). In this situation, low-quality seeds
deteriorate more rapidly than more vigorous ones, presenting a differentiated decrease in viability. An
environment of 41 to 43 °C of temperature for 24 to 72 h is considered to be applicable for a large number of
species in AA (Hampton and TeKrony, 1995; Matthews, 1993). However, the most appropriate ageing
environment needs to be determined for each species.
Controlled Deterioration: The controlled deterioration (CD) of seeds is also a practice of seed vigor testing
for quality control of seed lots (Powell and Matthews, 2005). It has been developed as an alternative for vigor
testing of small seeded vegetable species (carrot, onion, lettuce, brassicas, etc.), in order to provide greater
precision in the control of the high relative humidity and temperature to which seeds remain exposed during
the accelerated ageing test. Thus, during accelerated ageing the water uptake by seeds from each sample
occurs at different speeds, in the controlled deterioration test the initial seed moisture content is adjusted to
the same level, before the exposure to a high temperature in a water bath (Matthews, 1980). Subsequent work
has demonstrated the ability of this test to rank seed lots of a large number of species for potential
performance (Hampton et al., 1992). Like the Accelerated Ageing test Controlled Deterioration subjects the
seed to conditions of high moisture and humidity. These variables are known to cause rapid seed
deterioration. Unlike the Accelerated Ageing test the seed moisture content in a CD test is kept constant
(18 - 24%). After moisture testing and adjusting the moisture accordingly, the seed is sealed in foil packets
and placed in a specialized chamber with very precise temperature control for a deterioration period. After
this the seed is quickly planted in normal standardized germination conditions. It has been suggested that
environment of 45 °C and 20% seed moisture content for 24 h in CD is applicable for a large number of
species (Hampton and TeKrony, 1995; Matthews, 1993). However, the most appropriate ageing environment
needs to be determined for each species.
Cold test: It was developed to evaluate the physiological potential of corn seeds, seeking to simulate adverse
soil conditions (excessive water, low temperatures and presence of fungi in the soil) that frequently occur
during the sowing season in the US Corn Belt. The method developed by Hope cited by Fiala (1981) is based
on the use of germination paper towel lined with soil, which reduces the amount of soil and space necessary
as compared to the traditional method. Loeffler et al. (1985) suggested another procedure by using
F.A. Khan et al. 17
germination paper towel without soil, known as the cold test without soil. This procedure was sensitive
enough to detect drying damage in corn seeds, as well as to provide greater reproducibility of results due to
the simplicity of the method. Therefore, the cold test seeks to evaluate the effects of a combination of low
temperature, microorganism action and high substrate moisture by identifying differences in physiological
potential among seed lots (Caseiro and Marcos-Filho, 2000 and 2002).
Electric conductivity: Electrical Conductivity (EC) is a promising vigor test and classified as a biochemical
test. EC test aims to indirectly evaluate the extent of damage caused to cell membranes resulting from seed
deterioration (Abreu et al., 2011). The genotype, seed integrity, size and moisture content as well as soaking
period and temperature affect electrical conductivity results (De Carvalho et al., 2009). The EC is based on
the fact that seeds, when soaked in water, exude ions, sugars and other metabolites, from the starting of the
soaking period, due to changes in the integrity of the cell membranes, as a function of water amount and of
the level of seed deterioration. In deteriorated seeds, the repair mechanism is absent or inefficient, or the
membranes are completely damaged (Bewley and Black, 1985), thus permitting leaching of larger electrolyte
amounts.
Tetrazolium Test: The Tetrazolium Chloride (TZ) test is considered as the quick germination test. The TZ
test can give you an early and quick snapshot of seed viability but is not a replacement for the more
comprehensive seed germination test (Verma et al., 2013). The test is very useful in processing, handling,
storing and marketing. Large quantities of seed in a short time, testing dormant seed lots, vigour rating of the
seed lots, and diagnosing the cause of seed deterioration. TZ is a biochemical test, which differentiates live
from dead seeds based on the activity of the respiration enzymes in seeds. Upon seed hydration, the activity
of dehydrogenase enzymes increases resulting in the release of hydrogen ions, which reduces the colorless
tetrazolium salt solution (2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) into a chemical compound called formazan.
Formazan stains living cells (respiring) with a red color while dead cells (not respiring) remain colorless. The
viability of seeds is interpreted according to the staining pattern of seed tissues (Filho, 2015).
Conclusion: Seed deterioration is the loss of seed vigor and viability (quality) resulting in poor germination
of seed and seedling establishment. There are several sources of loss in seed quality during pre-harvest (field
weathering), harvest (handling) and post-harvest (storage) periods. An accelerated ageing technique is used
to study the seed deterioration mechanism under laboratory conditions. A variety of controlled seed hydration
techniques (seed priming) are available to improve the seed quality and germination potential of viable seeds.
Seed priming is simple technique and can be used by the farmers. However, success of the technique depends
on the selection of an appropriate seed priming technique which varies from crop to crop. The physiological
potential of seed in terms of seed vigor need to be measured for predicting the performance of seed under
field conditions.
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Seed deterioration and priming-An Overview

Article · January 2017

Dr FAROOQ Khan Sajad A Bhat

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Seed deterioration and priming - An Overview

(Received 23 September, 2016; accepted 12 January, 2017)

Seed vigour is an important quality parameter of seeds quality and plays an

slowed down if not completely stopped. Besides the field management

Key words: Ageing, deterioration, priming, seed quality and vigor

(Duffus and Slaughter, 1985).

vigor. Scientia Agricola, 57: 459-466.

emergence potential of melon seed lots. HortScience, 42:1431-1435.

agriculture-A review. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 7: 521-539.

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