Effects of osmopriming and fungicide treatment on germination, vigour and health of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds

The effects of lettuce seed osmopriming combined with Amistar and Funaben T treatment on germination and seed-borne fungi were studied at temperature 10, 20 and 35°C. Funaben T was more effective against Botrytis cinerea than Amistar. Priming improved germination rates mainly at suband supra-optimal temperatures. The beneficial effects of osmopriming were maintained if seeds were treated after priming with Funaben T at both doses tested. The same fungicide applied during priming caused a decrease in germination capacity connected with an increase in percentage of abnormal seedlings number and a delay in seed germination.